What to Expect
Your first visit
Whether it's been six months or six years, your first visit to Roanoke Dental Center is designed to feel easy — not intimidating.
Reviewed by our dentists — Updated April 2026
Before you arrive
Complete your patient registration through our secure portal before your appointment — it saves time and lets us focus on you when you arrive.
When you arrive
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early for your first visit. A member of our front-office team will greet you, verify your information, and walk you back when your operatory is ready.
In the chair
Your first visit usually includes:
- A comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw
- X-rays as needed (we'll explain why before we take any)
- An oral cancer screening
- A periodontal (gum) evaluation
- A professional cleaning, if scheduled and your gums are healthy enough
- A conversation about what we found and your options
Treatment planning
If we find anything that needs attention, we'll show you — on X-rays and with the intraoral camera when helpful. We'll explain your options, what each one costs, and how insurance or the Virginia Dental Club might help. No pressure. No same-day hard sells.
Questions? Good.
Ask them. All of them. We'd rather you leave informed than leave confused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the first dental visit take?+
Plan for about an hour. That gives us time for a comprehensive exam, any X-rays needed, a conversation about what we find, and a cleaning if your gums are healthy enough and we've reserved the time.
What should I bring to my first appointment?+
A photo ID, your insurance card (if you have one), a list of any medications you're taking, and any questions or concerns. Completing your patient registration online before you arrive saves time.
Will I get a cleaning on my first visit?+
If your gums are healthy and we've scheduled the time, yes. Let us know when you book that you'd like a cleaning at the same appointment so we can reserve enough time for everything.
What if I haven't been to a dentist in years?+
That's completely fine. Many of our patients at Roanoke Dental Center come in after a long gap. We don't lecture. We just take a look at where things stand and build a plan together.
Do you take X-rays at the first visit?+
We take X-rays only when clinically needed, and we'll explain why before we take any. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film and give us a clear picture of what's happening beneath the surface.
Will I feel pressured to commit to treatment on my first visit?+
Never. We explain what we find, show you the evidence, outline your options and costs, and let you decide. No same-day hard sells. No pressure.
★ When You're Ready
Come see for yourself.
Take your time choosing the office that fits.
Pick the Cave Spring office that's closer to you. Reserve your visit online any hour of the day, or call your front desk during clinical hours — we'd love to meet you.
Visit Electric Rd
2660 Electric Rd Suite A
Visit Brambleton Ave
4907 Brambleton Ave
Or call the front desk