Taking the step to book a first dental appointment — especially if it's been a while — is something we genuinely celebrate. Whether you're new to Marlborough, switching dentists, or coming back to dental care after years away, this guide covers everything you need to make your first visit smooth, comfortable, and productive.
Before Your Visit: What to Bring
To make the most of your first appointment, please bring:
- Valid photo ID
- Dental insurance card(s) — if you have coverage, we'll verify your benefits and explain exactly what's covered
- List of current medications — including supplements and over-the-counter medications
- Any recent dental X-rays — if you have X-rays from a previous dentist (even on a CD or USB), bring them so we can avoid duplicating imaging
- Your completed new patient forms — you can fill these out online before your visit to save time in the office
Don't have insurance? That's okay. Our Signature Visit New Patient Special is specifically designed for patients without insurance: a comprehensive exam, professional cleaning, digital X-rays, and panoramic X-ray for $149.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first visit to Innova Smiles is designed as a comprehensive "get to know you" appointment — not a rushed assembly line. Here's what you can expect:
1. Warm Welcome & Check-In (5–10 minutes)
You'll be greeted by our front desk team, complete any remaining paperwork, and get a tour of the office if you'd like. We want you to feel comfortable in our space before anything else.
2. Health History Review (10 minutes)
One of our team members will review your health history, medications, allergies, and any specific concerns or goals you have for your smile. We take time here — your overall health affects your dental health.
3. Digital X-Rays (10–15 minutes)
We'll take digital X-rays to get a complete picture of what's happening below the gumline. Our digital X-ray system delivers 80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. If you're pregnant, we'll postpone non-emergency X-rays and adjust accordingly.
For most new patients, we also take a panoramic X-ray (panorex) — a full-mouth image that shows your jaw joints, sinuses, and all teeth in a single image. This gives us the complete picture we need to assess your overall dental health.
4. Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation (5 minutes)
Your hygienist will check the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums using a small measuring tool. These pocket depths tell us about the health of your gum tissue and whether you show any signs of gum disease.
5. Professional Cleaning (30–45 minutes)
Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup, polish your teeth, and floss. If significant tartar buildup is present, a deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended at a separate appointment.
6. Comprehensive Exam with Dr. Fatima (15–20 minutes)
Dr. Fatima will review your X-rays and exam findings, check every tooth for decay, cracks, and wear patterns, assess your bite, screen for oral cancer, and examine your jaw joints (TMJ). She'll take the time to explain exactly what she finds — no dental jargon, no rush.
7. Treatment Plan Discussion (10–15 minutes)
If any concerns are found, Dr. Fatima will explain them clearly, discuss your options (including doing nothing, when appropriate), and outline a treatment plan that fits your goals and budget. We never pressure patients into same-day treatment decisions.
Total Time
Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes for a thorough new patient visit. We prefer to do this right the first time rather than rush through an initial exam.
Our New Patient Special: The Signature Visit
$149 — for patients without insurance (or whose insurance doesn't cover new patient exams)
What's included:
- Comprehensive oral exam
- Professional dental cleaning
- Full digital X-ray series (bitewings + periapicals)
- Panoramic X-ray (panorex)
- Oral cancer screening
- Treatment plan consultation
This is not a stripped-down discount offer. It's the same comprehensive exam every patient receives — offered at a transparent, affordable rate for new patients. The full value is typically $350–$500. Learn more about our New Patient Special →
If You Haven't Been to the Dentist in Years
No judgment. We hear this often. Life gets busy, dental anxiety takes over, or circumstances changed. Here's what to know:
- You won't be lectured. Our team is compassionate, not judgmental.
- We'll start where you are. Not where we wish you'd been.
- Problems are usually more manageable than feared. Most patients discover the situation is better than they imagined.
- We can address dental anxiety head-on. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation are available.
If you're nervous, just tell us when you call. We'll take extra care to go slowly and check in frequently.
Insurance & Payment
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, including:
- Delta Dental
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna, Cigna, Guardian
- United Healthcare, MetLife
- Humana, Ameritas, and more
No insurance? We offer:
- The $149 Signature Visit New Patient Special
- 0% interest financing through CareCredit and Cherry
- Our in-house Innova Membership Plan — a flat annual fee covering two cleanings, exams, and significant discounts on all treatment
How to Schedule
Call: (508) 481-0110 — Monday–Thursday 9 AM–5 PM, Friday 9 AM–2 PM
Book online: Use the "Book Appointment" button on this page or throughout our website
Walk-in for emergencies: If you're in pain, call first — we'll get you in as soon as possible, often the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out forms before my appointment? We offer online forms you can complete at home for a faster check-in. If you prefer, you can also complete them in the office — just arrive 10–15 minutes early.
What if I'm anxious about the dentist? Tell us when you call or when you arrive. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. You can also bring headphones to listen to music during treatment.
Can I bring my child to my appointment? Yes — we're a family-friendly practice and welcome children. If you'd like to schedule your child's appointment at the same time, just let us know when you book.
What if I need more work done than a cleaning? We'll explain everything we find and give you time to decide. We never pressure same-day treatment. If cost is a concern, we'll build a treatment plan that prioritizes the most urgent needs.
Is the $149 special available if I have insurance? The special is designed for patients without insurance coverage for preventive care. If you have insurance that covers cleanings and exams, we'll bill your insurance instead (which is typically better for you).
Find Us in Marlborough, MA
Innova Smiles 340 Maple St Suite 100 Marlborough, MA 01752
Conveniently located off Route 20 near I-495, serving patients from Hudson, Framingham, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Sudbury, and throughout MetroWest.
Call (508) 481-0110 or contact us online to schedule your first visit. We look forward to meeting you.
