Use the registration form on our private dentist page, or call 0118 950 7229.
First Dental Appointment in Reading: A New Patient Guide
Looking for a new dentist in Reading? Our new patient guide explains how to register, what happens at your first check-up, and how NHS and private care work at Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants.
📍 9-10 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EG | 🦷 5 Minutes from Reading Station | 📞 0118 950 7229
Perhaps you’ve just moved to Reading for work or study, your old dentist has stopped taking patients, or it’s been a few years since your last check-up. Whatever the reason, finding a new dentist is a common step. It’s also easier when you know what the first visit involves.
This guide takes you through your first appointment at Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants in four stages: getting to us and registering, preparing, the appointment itself, and what happens afterwards.
Short answer: Your first appointment is a full dental examination. We’ll go through your health and concerns, check your teeth, gums and mouth, take X-rays only if they’re clinically necessary, explain what we find, and agree a plan with you.
Getting to Us
Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants is at 9-10 Market Place in the centre of Reading, around five minutes on foot from Reading station. We’re close to Broad Street, the Oracle, Forbury Gardens and the River Kennet, so it’s easy to fit an appointment around work, study or shopping.
We open at 8am, Monday to Friday, with the last appointments finishing by 5pm, which suits those who’d like to come before work. Parking in the town centre is limited, so please call us beforehand and we’ll suggest the nearest options.
Stage 1: Registering and Choosing NHS or Private
Registering. You can register using the form on our private dentist page, or call us on 0118 950 7229. Let us know if you have a toothache or urgent problem, if you’re nervous, and whether you’re interested in NHS or private care.
NHS care. We offer NHS treatment to patients who qualify. It covers examinations, X-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns and dentures, with sedation for suitable patients, charged under the NHS’s standard bands. NHS fees change every April, so please ask us for current prices, and check when you call whether NHS places are available. More detail is on our NHS treatment page.
Private care. Private care covers a wider range, including cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers, Invisalign, dental implants, hygiene appointments and sedation options. If you choose private care, your new patient consultation includes a pre-treatment review with X-rays and scans, and a tailored treatment plan. Our fees page lists current prices, and we’ll confirm costs with you before any treatment begins.
Not sure which is right? Just tell us what you’re hoping for, and we’ll help you decide.
Stage 2: Preparing for Your Visit
It helps to bring or note down:
- Your medical history, including conditions, allergies and any medication you take
- Previous dental records or X-rays, if you have them (it’s fine if you don’t)
- Your concerns, such as sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, a broken filling or something about your smile
- Proof of NHS exemption, if you’re claiming free NHS treatment
- A way to pay, for private treatment
Arrive a few minutes early to complete any forms, and allow time for the walk from the station.
Stage 3: In the Chair – What We Do and Why
What We Do Why It Matters What We Do: Talk through your medical and dental history Why It Matters: Health conditions, medication and habits like smoking or grinding all affect your teeth What We Do: Examine your teeth and soft tissues Why It Matters: To find decay, wear, cracks or anything that needs attention What We Do: Assess your gums Why It Matters: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and is easiest to treat early. See our gum disease page What We Do: Screen for mouth cancer Why It Matters: A routine, painless check that can spot changes early What We Do: Check your bite and jaw joints Why It Matters: To pick up bite problems and jaw joint (TMJ) issues What We Do: Take X-rays, only if clinically necessary Why It Matters: To see between teeth and below the gum line, where problems hide What We Do: Explain what we’ve found and your options Why It Matters: So you can decide what to do, at your own pace You’re welcome to ask questions at any point, and nothing should happen that you haven’t understood and agreed to.
Stage 4: Afterwards
- If you need treatment, we’ll explain what it involves and what it costs, and agree a plan with you.
- If everything looks healthy, you carry on with regular check-ups. Examinations are generally recommended every six months, though your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your oral health, age and risk factors.
- If a hygiene visit would help, we’ll tell you. See our hygiene appointments.
- If you’d like to improve your smile, we can discuss options from whitening and bonding to Invisalign and dental implants.
Nervous, or Haven’t Been for Years?
You’re in good company. Many people put off the dentist because of anxiety or a long gap since their last visit, and we don’t judge either. Tell us when you book, and we’ll go at your pace. We offer sedation options and relaxation techniques to help you feel more comfortable.
Urgent Problems
If you’re in pain or have broken a tooth, tell us when you call, and we’ll aim to see you as soon as we can. If you have spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or feel very unwell, seek urgent medical help through NHS 111 or 999.
Who We See in Reading
Our patients include commuters who use the early appointments, students and university staff, families, and people who have recently moved to Berkshire. We welcome new patients from Reading town centre, Caversham, Tilehurst, Whitley, Calcot, Purley-on-Thames, Theale and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a new patient?
How long will my first appointment take?
It depends on your needs. We’ll confirm the length when you book.
Will I need X-rays?
Only if they’re clinically necessary. Bring any recent X-rays from another dentist if you have them.
Does a check-up hurt?
A routine examination is painless. If something is sore, tell us, and we’ll be gentle.
Can I see you on the NHS?
We offer NHS treatment to patients who qualify. Please call to ask about current availability.
Is there parking near the practice?
Parking in central Reading is limited, so please call us beforehand, and we’ll advise on the nearest options. Reading station is about five minutes’ walk away.
How often should I see the dentist?
Generally every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different interval.
Can I talk about cosmetic treatment at my first visit?
Yes. Mention it when you book, and we’ll talk through options such as whitening, veneers and Invisalign.
Ready to Book?
Call us on 0118 950 7229 or register online to get started.
BOOK YOUR NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENT
Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants, 9-10 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EG | 0118 950 7229
