Switching dentists — or coming back to the dentist after a long time away — can feel like a bigger step than it should be. If you’ve been putting it off because you’re not sure what to expect, or because past experiences have left you a little wary, you’re not alone.
At the North Andover dental office of Dr. Gary C. Demetriou, DMD, we see new patients every week who haven’t been to the dentist in years. Some come in nervous. Some come in embarrassed about the gap in their care. All of them leave knowing they’re in good hands.
Here’s exactly what happens at your first visit with us — no surprises, no judgment.
Before You Even Sit in the Chair
Getting started is straightforward. You can register as a new patient online before your appointment, which saves time when you arrive. We’ll ask about your dental and medical history, any current concerns or symptoms, and your insurance information.
If you have dental records or X-rays from a previous dentist, we’re happy to accept them. If not, no problem — we’ll take whatever we need here.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our front desk team and shown to a comfortable treatment area. We work hard to keep appointments on time, because we know your schedule matters.
Your First Visit: A Full Picture of Your Oral Health
A new patient appointment isn’t just a cleaning. It’s a chance for Dr. Demetriou to get a complete picture of where your oral health stands right now — and to understand your goals and concerns before recommending anything.
Here’s what a typical first visit includes:
A Thorough Exam Dr. Demetriou will examine your teeth, gums, and bite carefully. He’ll check for signs of decay, gum disease, bite issues, and anything else that deserves attention. If you’ve had any pain, sensitivity, or concerns, this is the time to mention them.
Digital X-Rays We use digital X-rays, which expose you to about 1/16th of the radiation of traditional film X-rays. These images let Dr. Demetriou see what’s happening between teeth, at the roots, and beneath the gumline. They’re fast, comfortable, and give us important diagnostic information.
A Professional Cleaning In most cases, your first visit will include a professional teeth cleaning — also called a prophylaxis. Our hygienists are gentle and thorough, removing plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t reach.
A Conversation After the exam, Dr. Demetriou will walk you through what he found and what, if anything, he recommends. He explains things clearly, answers every question you have, and never pressures you into anything. If treatment is needed, you’ll leave with a clear plan and a full understanding of your options.
What If You Haven’t Been in a Long Time?
We hear this often: “I’m embarrassed because it’s been a few years.” Please don’t be. We have seen every situation imaginable, and our job is never to make you feel bad about the past. It’s to help you move forward.
Depending on how long it’s been and what we find, your first visit might include a more thorough periodontal evaluation to assess your gum health. If there’s significant buildup, we may recommend a deeper cleaning before moving to a standard maintenance schedule. We’ll always explain what we’re seeing and why we’re recommending it.
The most important thing is that you’re here now.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Your insurance card (if applicable)
- A list of any medications you’re currently taking
- Any previous dental X-rays if available
- A list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
If you’ve already completed your new patient registration online, you’re ahead of the game.
A Practice That Feels Like Home
Dr. Demetriou has been practicing in North Andover since 1986. Many of his patients have been coming to him for 10, 13, even 20 years. That kind of relationship doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because patients feel heard, comfortable, and genuinely cared for.
Whether you’re looking for a dentist who can handle everything from routine cleanings to more involved restorative or cosmetic work, our North Andover office is set up to be your long-term dental home.
Ready to get started? Contact our North Andover dental office to schedule your first visit with Dr. Demetriou. We’d love to welcome you to the practice.
Call us at 978-794-0010 — we’re happy to answer any questions before you book.
Learn more about what to expect at dental visits from MouthHealthy.org, the American Dental Association’s patient resource.