Read through the four paths below and find the one (or two) that sounds most like your situation. Each one tells you exactly what to book and what to say when you call. If none of them fit, or you're still unsure — call us anyway. "I'm not sure what I need" is something we hear every day, and it's the easiest appointment to book.
Key takeaways
- In pain or something feels wrong? Book a check-up and tell reception you're in discomfort — we keep same-day slots.
- Want to improve how your teeth look? Book a 45-minute cosmetic consultation — no obligation to proceed.
- Just want a clean slate? Book a new patient check-up.
- Appointment for your child? Book a children's appointment (20–30 minutes) — gentle and child-friendly.
In this guidetap to open
Path A — "Something hurts or feels wrong"
You might be experiencing:
- Toothache (constant or when eating/drinking)
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet
- A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- Swelling in your gum or face
- A tooth that feels loose
- Bleeding gums
What to book: a general check-up with examination. If you're in pain, tell the receptionist — we keep emergency slots available and can often see you the same day or next day.
What to say when you call: "I have [describe symptom] and I'd like someone to take a look."
What to expect: we'll examine the area, take X-rays if needed, diagnose the problem and give you a clear treatment plan with costs. If you're in pain, we'll address the discomfort first.
Path B — "I want to improve how my teeth look"
You might be thinking about:
- Whitening yellowed or stained teeth
- Fixing a chip, gap, or uneven edges
- Replacing an old dark filling with a white one
- A full smile makeover
- Straightening crooked teeth
What to book: a cosmetic consultation (45 minutes). A dedicated appointment to discuss what you'd like to change and explore your options.
What to say when you call: "I'd like a cosmetic consultation to talk about [whitening / bonding / veneers / improving my smile]."
What to expect: we'll listen to what bothers you, examine your teeth, show you what's possible (sometimes using digital previews) and give you options with costs. No obligation to proceed.
Path C — "I just need a general check-up"
This is you if:
- You haven't been to a dentist in a while and want a clean slate
- Nothing specific is wrong — you just want to make sure everything's fine
- You want to establish a regular dental routine
- You've recently moved to the area and need a new dentist
What to book: a new patient check-up.
What to say when you call: "I'd like to register as a new patient and book a check-up."
What to expect: a thorough examination, X-rays if needed, a hygienist appointment if booked, and a conversation about your dental health. If everything's fine, we'll see you again in 6–12 months.
Path D — "It's not for me, it's for my child"
This is you if:
- Your child needs their first dental visit
- You want to switch your child to a new dentist
- Your child has a toothache, broken tooth or knocked-out tooth
- You want advice on brushing, diet or fluoride for your child
What to book: a children's dental appointment (20–30 minutes).
What to say when you call: "I'd like to book an appointment for my child. They're [age] and [it's their first visit / they have a specific concern]."
What to expect: a gentle, child-friendly visit. We count teeth, check development, apply fluoride if appropriate and talk to you about home care. For first visits, the goal is simply a positive experience.
Still not sure?
That's genuinely fine. Call 01778 422785 and say:
"I'm not sure what I need — can you help me figure out the right appointment?"
Our reception team hears this every day. They'll ask a couple of quick questions and book you into the right appointment. No judgement, no pressure, no awkwardness. The only wrong choice is no choice at all.
Book a check-up.
Call 01778 422785 or email reception@northstreetdental.co.uk and we'll point you to the right appointment.
Related guides
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Your first visit: a step-by-step guide for anxious patients
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your first appointment — so nothing catches you off guard.
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A parent's guide to children's dentistry
Practical, no-guilt advice for every age — from first tooth to first filling, brushing, diet and what to do in an emergency.
Written by the clinical team at North Street Dental Practice, Bourne. Reviewed May 2026.