A proper first visit, not a rushed check
A new patient consult is the place to start if you have pain, missing teeth, crowding, worn fillings, gum bleeding, sensitivity, or you simply want a full check before planning treatment. Dr Sibusiso Mthembu and the team use this visit to look at the full picture, not only the area that is bothering you. That includes your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, existing work and the condition of any previous crowns, bridges or implants.
We also review your medical history carefully. If you are on chronic medication, pregnant, diabetic, have high blood pressure, or have had previous dental complications, this is important information for safe treatment planning. If you have travel dates, school schedules or work commitments, tell us up front so we can plan around them properly.
- Full oral exam of teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues
- Medical and dental history review
- Discussion of pain, symptoms and your main goals
- Initial treatment priorities and next-step options
What happens during the consultation
The consultation is structured so you leave with a clear understanding of your mouth and the treatment choices available. Depending on what we see, the appointment may include photographs, digital imaging, gum measurements, bite checks and a review of any old records you bring with you. If you have been treated elsewhere, bring along any recent X-rays, referral letters or treatment notes, as these help us avoid repeating work and save time.
For patients in Sandton, Bryanston, Rivonia, Morningside, Fourways and Rosebank, this first visit is especially useful when you have a few concerns but are not sure which one should come first. We can sequence care sensibly, whether that means emergency relief first, then restorative work, then cosmetic or alignment treatment later.
- Digital photographs for record keeping and treatment discussion
- X-ray review where needed, including small focused views or full mouth records
- Gum and bite assessment
- Time for questions and explanation in plain language
Clear steps from assessment to plan
We do not leave you guessing. After the examination, the dentist explains what we found and what it means for your oral health. If more information is needed before a final plan can be made, we will say so directly. Some cases are straightforward, while others need staged treatment or input from more than one clinician, for example an implant dentist and an orthodontic lead working together on the same mouth.
The process is practical and usually follows a simple order. First we identify any urgent pain, infection or decay. Then we look at function, cosmetics and long-term maintenance. If sedation options are relevant for anxious patients, that discussion happens early so you can decide what suits you best. We also explain aftercare follow-ups where needed, because treatment does not end when you leave the chair.
- Step 1: assessment and records
- Step 2: explanation of findings
- Step 3: treatment options and timing
- Step 4: quote or phased plan if multiple visits are needed
Turnaround and how long the visit takes
A standard new patient consult usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on complexity and how much history needs to be reviewed. If there is pain, swelling, gum concern or a more involved bite problem, allow longer. Where same-day advice is possible, we will give it. Where a more detailed plan is needed, we may book a follow-up after reviewing imaging or coordinating with another team member.
For patients who come in during a busy week, the goal is to give you a clear next move before you leave. That might mean booking an emergency visit, planning a cleaning, arranging implant planning or setting up an orthodontic assessment. In many cases, the first consult is enough to decide whether treatment should start immediately or be staged over a few visits.
- Simple consults: about 30 minutes
- Complex consults or multi-problem cases: 45 to 60 minutes or more
- Follow-up planning can happen once records are reviewed
- Emergency concerns are prioritised where clinically necessary
Pricing approach and what affects the fee
We keep the pricing approach straightforward. New patient consult fees depend on the length of the appointment, the amount of record taking needed, and whether imaging or additional diagnostic steps are required. If the visit needs to cover more than one concern, we explain the cost structure before proceeding so there are no surprises.
For patients asking about payment guidance, we can outline the likely sequence of costs across the full plan. That is useful if you are budgeting for cosmetic dentistry, implants or orthodontics, because these treatments are often done in stages. If you are comparing options, ask for the clinical priorities first, then decide what to do now and what can be scheduled later. That often helps families in Johannesburg plan better around school fees, travel and month end cash flow.
- Consult fee depends on clinical complexity
- Additional imaging or records may carry separate charges
- Phased treatment plans can spread costs over time
- Payment guidance is given before larger treatment starts
Keeping your mouth stable after the first visit
Once your first consult is complete, maintenance matters. Some patients only need a routine review every 6 months. Others may need 3 to 4 monthly gum monitoring, orthodontic checks, or an earlier return visit after pain relief or active treatment. We base the interval on your risk level, current condition and the type of work you plan to have done.
Good maintenance keeps treatment simpler later on. If you are prone to decay, gum inflammation or bite grinding, we may advise more frequent check-ins and home care adjustments. We also give practical aftercare instructions if you start treatment soon after the consult, especially where sensitivity, healing or temporary restorations are involved. In coastal humidity or dusty winter conditions, storage and oral hygiene habits matter more than people think, so we keep advice practical and easy to follow.
- Routine review: every 6 months for many patients
- Higher-risk gum or bite cases: every 3 to 4 months
- Aftercare visits scheduled according to the treatment plan
- Home care guidance adjusted to your specific risks
Where we help patients from
Techno-Dent Clinic is based in Sandton and regularly sees patients from Bryanston, Rivonia, Morningside, Fourways and Rosebank. If you live or work nearby, the consult is a convenient way to get a clear dental plan without bouncing between different practices. We also understand that working around traffic, parking and busy diaries in Johannesburg takes planning, so appointments are handled with that in mind.
If you are ready to start with a proper first assessment, send your enquiry through our contact form and book your new patient consult. We will help you understand what is going on, what needs attention first, and how to move forward at a pace that suits your mouth and your budget.
Key facts
| Appointment length | 30 to 60 minutes, longer for complex cases |
|---|---|
| Core checks | Teeth, gums, bite, soft tissues and existing dental work |
| Records | Clinical photographs and X-rays where indicated |
| Suitable for | New patients, second opinions and treatment planning |
| Follow-up | Booked according to findings and urgency |
| Service areas | Sandton, Bryanston, Rivonia, Morningside, Fourways and Rosebank |
