Your First Visit to De-Twist Dental Specialist: What Really Happens

Booking your first dental appointment can come with a few questions. What will the dentist ask? Will you need an X-ray? Will you have to get treatment immediately? What actually happens once you sit in the dental chair?

Your first visit to De-Twist Dental Specialist starts with understanding your oral health. Our dentist will ask about your dental history and any concerns you may have, examine your teeth and gums, and discuss what they find with you. Depending on what is needed, they may also recommend further examination, an X-ray, or treatment.

How Long Does a First Dental Visit Take?

Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes. If your case is more complex or you have not seen a dentist in a long time, it might run a little longer, but that is the general window.

What Should You Bring to Your First Dental Appointment?

What to Bring	Why It Helps
A valid ID	For registration and your patient file
List of medications you currently take	Some medications affect your treatment or anaesthesia options
Previous dental records or X-rays (if you have them)	Saves time and helps the dentist see what has been done before
Your HMO card (if applicable)	We work with Total Health Trust and Leadway Health
A list of concerns or questions	No concern is too small. Write them down so you do not forget

What Happens During Your First Dental Visit?

Step	What Happens	How Long It Takes
1. Arrival & registration	You fill in a short health and dental history form	5 to 10 minutes
2. Consultation	The dentist talks with you about your concerns and what you want	10 to 15 minutes
3. Examination	Teeth, gums, jaw, and bite are all checked	10 to 15 minutes
4. Imaging (if needed)	X-rays or 3D scan depending on your case	5 to 10 minutes
5. Treatment plan	The dentist explains what they found and what the options are	10 to 15 minutes

Step 1: Registration and Your Health History

When you arrive at our Magodo clinic at 8b CMD Road or our Ogba clinic at Grand Point Mall, 46 Adeniji Street, the front desk team will greet you and get you checked in. You will fill in a short form covering your basic health and dental history. It takes about five to ten minutes.

Step 2: Your Dental Consultation

Before anyone touches your teeth, Dr. Joan or one of our dentists will sit with you and have a proper conversation. They will ask what brought you in, what is bothering you (if anything), and what you are hoping to achieve. This is your chance to ask anything and mention things you might be nervous about.

Step 3: A Thorough Examination

After the conversation, the dentist will take a proper look at your mouth. They check your teeth one by one for signs of decay, cracks, or anything unusual; your gums for inflammation or recession; your jaw and bite; and the soft tissues in your mouth including your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.

Step 4: X-Rays and 3D Imaging, If Needed

At De-Twist Dental Specialist, we use the I-Cat Cone Beam 3D Imaging System and an OPG (Orthopantomograph) machine. The I-Cat scan gives us a three-dimensional picture of your teeth, jaw, and bone. The OPG provides a full panoramic X-ray of your entire mouth. Both are quick, painless, and the I-Cat scan takes under 10 seconds.

Step 5: Understanding Your Treatment Plan

The dentist will explain what they found in plain language. A treatment plan is not a bill or a commitment. It is information. You do not have to decide anything on the spot.

If cost is a concern, this is the right moment to say so. We offer installment plans and work with HMO partners including Total Health Trust and Leadway Health. To understand what your HMO covers before you arrive, read our guide: Does Health Insurance Cover Major Dental Work in Nigeria?

What If You Feel Nervous About Visiting the Dentist?

Dental anxiety is real and it affects a lot of adults. The best thing you can do is tell us. When you call to book or when you arrive, just let the team know that you are a bit anxious. That information changes how we approach your visit. We slow down, we explain before we do anything, and we check in with you throughout.

Will I Get a Dental Cleaning on My First Visit?

It depends on your appointment and schedule. If you want to understand what a professional cleaning involves, read our article on Benefits of Regular Professional Dental Cleaning with Ultrasonic Scalers.

Ready to Book Your First Visit?

You can book your appointment online or call us directly on +234 706 959 7081 or +234 705 375 9772.

Our clinic is at 8b CMD Road, Magodo, Lagos. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a dental problem to book a first visit?

Not at all. Many people come in for a general check-up with no specific complaints. Coming in before something hurts is the best time to come.

Will the dentist do any treatment during the first visit?

In most cases, the first visit is an examination and consultation. Treatment is planned and scheduled separately unless it is something simple.

Is the first visit covered by HMO?

We work with Total Health Trust and Leadway Health. If your plan includes a dental consultation, bring your HMO card and we will sort out the details at registration.