If you have not seen a dentist for a long time, the first visit is often the most daunting. In practice nothing is usually treated at a first visit — it is an examination and the drawing up of a plan, so that you know what is happening in your mouth and what it will cost.
What it costs
- First consultation, dental examination and diagnostic imaging — €30
- Written treatment plan — €55
- Oral hygiene instruction — €10
A written plan is not compulsory, but it makes sense for extensive treatment: it sets out the stages, their order and the cost of each procedure, so the final sum comes as no surprise.
How the visit goes
- Conversation. We discuss what is troubling you, what your past experience has been and what you expect from the result. This is also where to mention fear — it changes how the dentist works.
- Health details. Medication, allergies, chronic conditions. Blood thinners and diabetes affect treatment planning.
- Examination. Teeth, gums, mucosa, bite. Gum pocket depths if periodontitis is suspected.
- Imaging. A radiograph shows decay between the teeth, inflammation at root tips and bone level — none of which is visible to the eye.
- Summary. What needs doing, what is urgent, what can wait, and what it costs.
What to bring
- A list of the medicines you take.
- Previous radiographs if you have them.
- Details of any allergies, particularly to anaesthetics or antibiotics.
If you are afraid of the dentist
Dental fear is common and worth mentioning at the outset rather than enduring in silence. What genuinely helps:
- Agree a signal — a raised hand means pause. It gives back a sense of control.
- Book a morning appointment so you are not thinking about it all day.
- Start simple — a first visit for examination only, no treatment.
- Ask what is happening if not knowing is the source of the fear — or ask the dentist not to narrate, if it is easier for you not to know.
Modern anaesthesia works well. If a procedure hurts, that is not normal — say so, more anaesthetic can be given (each further injection €12).
How often to come after that
With a healthy mouth, once a year. More often if you have periodontitis, implants, many fillings, diabetes, or if you smoke. A check-up costs a fraction of one root canal treatment — and decay is visible on a radiograph long before it causes pain.
Book an appointment at Unidenta dental studio in Tallinn, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 24. The calendar shows available times and you can book online straight away.