How Long Does a Dentist Appointment Take? What to Expect

Whether you’re scheduling routine cleaning or preparing for a dental procedure, it’s common to wonder: how long does a dentist appointment take? While the answer varies depending on the type of visit, most appointments are quicker and more comfortable than many people expect.

In this blog, we’ll break down typical appointment times, what happens during each type of visit, and how to plan, so you can feel confident and prepared.

How Long Do Dentist Appointments Take?

The length of your dental appointment depends on a few key factors: the reason for your visit, whether you’re a new patient, and whether any treatments are needed. Here's a general guide:

Routine Dental Exam & Cleaning

For most patients, a routine dental check-up and cleaning take about 30 to 60 minutes. This includes:

• Review of your health history
• Digital X-rays (if due)
• Comprehensive dental exam
• Scaling and polishing by the dental hygienist
• Discussion with your dentist about any findings

If it’s your first time at a new practice, your appointment may take a bit longer, typically 45 to 90 minutes, to allow time for a full health intake, baseline photos, and more detailed assessment.

First-Time Visits (New Patients)

As a new patient at West Soho Dentistry, your first visit usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. This allows our team to:

• Review your full medical and dental history
• Take any necessary X-rays
• Perform a complete exam
• Clean your teeth thoroughly
• Answer your questions and create a personalized care plan

We believe in taking the time to understand your goals, comfort level, and oral health needs, so you never feel rushed.

How Long Is a Dentist Appointment for Common Procedures?

In addition to cleanings and check-ups, you might visit the dentist for specific treatments. Here’s what to expect in terms of time:

1. Fillings

If you need a cavity filled, plan for about 20 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings may take a bit longer than traditional silver amalgam.

2. Dental Crowns

A crown typically requires two visits. The first (preparation and impressions) lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, and the second (placement) takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

3. Tooth Extractions

Simple extractions can take 20 to 40 minutes, while surgical extractions (like impacted wisdom teeth) may take 45 to 90 minutes or more, especially if sedation is involved.

4. Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the method used and desired results.

5. Dental Emergencies

Emergency visits vary, but we strive to assess and treat urgent concerns as quickly as possible, usually within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the case.

What Can Affect the Length of Your Appointment?

Even if you’ve had dental visits before, appointment times can vary based on several factors:

• Your dental history: Patients with more complex dental needs may require additional time for diagnostics or treatment planning. ‍
• Whether X-rays are needed: If you haven’t had X-rays in a while, this will extend your visit slightly (usually 10–15 minutes). ‍
• Your comfort level: If you experience dental anxiety, we may go at a slower pace to help you feel more at ease. ‍
• Unexpected findings: Occasionally, we may spot something that requires further discussion, treatment, or referral.

At West Soho Dentistry, we always build in time to answer your questions and make sure you leave feeling informed and cared for.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

No matter the reason for your visit, here’s what a typical dental appointment includes:

• Warm welcome and check-in
• Review of your medical and dental history
• Any necessary imaging or diagnostic tests
• Dental exam and cleaning or treatment
• Personalized advice on next steps
• Time for your questions

If you’re looking to maintain your results between visits, check out our blog on How to Maintain Your Oral Health Between Dental Visits for expert tips and guidance.

How to Prepare for Your Dental Visit

To make your appointment run smoothly:

• Arrive early (especially for new patient visits) to fill out forms ‍
• Bring a list of any medications or medical conditions ‍
• Let us know if you have dental anxiety, we can offer support or comfort measures ‍
• Ask questions: we’re here to help, not rush you out the door

Trust Your Smile to West Soho Dentistry

At West Soho Dentistry, we’re committed to making every visit as comfortable, efficient, and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re coming in for a quick check-up or a more involved treatment, we respect your time, and your smile.

Conveniently located in New York City, we combine modern technology with a patient-first approach that puts your comfort and health at the center of everything we do.

Ready to schedule your visit? Contact us today and experience dental care designed around you.