Maybe it was the pandemic. Maybe it was a job change, a move, a tight budget, or the simple fact that nothing hurt so it kept getting pushed off. However it happened, you’re now sitting on a gap that’s a few years long and the idea of walking back into a dental office feels like a lot.
Here’s the truth: this is one of the most common things we hear at A Smile By Design. People come back after 5, 10, even 20 years. We don’t lecture. We just get to work.
You’re not alone — and you’re not in trouble
Roughly a third of American adults haven’t seen a dentist in the past year. Many of those people haven’t been in much longer. The reasons are usually some mix of cost, anxiety, time, and life getting in the way.
What you’ll find here in Dansville: a team that’s seen it all, doesn’t make a face when you describe your gap, and won’t try to schedule you for ten thousand dollars worth of work in your second visit.
What your first visit will look like
1. A real conversation
Before anything else, we’ll talk. What’s been bothering you? What are you worried about? Anything specific bringing you back now? This isn’t a script — it’s how we figure out where to start.
2. A complete exam and X-rays
Because it’s been a while, we’ll do a comprehensive exam (not a quick check). X-rays let us see between teeth and below the gumline where cavities and infections hide. This is the only way to give you accurate information about what’s actually going on.
3. A cleaning — but maybe not the standard one
If your gums look healthy, we’ll do a standard cleaning. If there’s significant tartar buildup or signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing — usually split into two visits and often covered by insurance.
4. A clear, prioritized treatment plan
If we find issues, we’ll show them to you on the screen and rank them. Urgent first. Important second. Optional last. You decide the pace. We’ll tell you honestly what can wait and what really shouldn’t.
Will I need a lot of work?
Sometimes. Sometimes not. We’ve had patients come back after 15 years with a clean bill of health, and we’ve had patients come back after 2 years needing several fillings. The only way to know is to look.
What we’ll never do: pile on extra work or push expensive cosmetic upgrades. We’ll tell you what your teeth need, in order, with cost up front.
What about the cost?
If you have insurance, we’ll verify your benefits and tell you what’s covered before any treatment. If you don’t, we offer flexible payment options and we’ll work out a plan that fits your budget. The first step — exam, X-rays, and cleaning — is often the least expensive part.
If you’re nervous, tell us
Dental anxiety is normal. Tell us before we start. We’ll go slower, explain more, take breaks, and use whatever comfort options help — from headphones and topical numbing to nitrous oxide. You’re in charge of the pace.
Coming back is the hardest part
Once you’re in the chair, the rest is mechanics. Most patients tell us afterward they wish they hadn’t waited so long.
Ready to start? Book a comprehensive exam at A Smile By Design, or just call (585) 335-2120 and tell us where you’re at. We’ll take it from there.