In short. For a patient who brings difficult experiences, the first visit does not start from treatment but from listening. We map clinical history, experience and expectations, we show the tests without forcing a diagnosis, and we propose a path only if it makes sense now. No decisions in the first meeting if they are not useful.
Who is this first visit intended for?
This type of meeting is designed for adults who have put off their dentist appointment for a long time, often after experiences perceived as hasty, painful or poorly explained. It's not a marginal situation. In adults with high dental anxiety, Australian research has documented that over two-thirds of people result in active avoidance or postponement of dental care at the time of the investigation [PMID:25528183]. Trust in the last dentist met is one of the independent predictors of regular return to the practice, alongside the perceived cost and actual clinical need.
The first visit conceived in these terms is useful for those who want to understand before choosing, for those who seek to be listened to before being directed, and for those who need time to return to a treatment path without skipping steps. It is aimed at those looking for a stable reference in Turin to start again calmly, not at those who want a quick confirmation of a plan already decided elsewhere.
When is not the time for this type of visit
A first visit structured around listening requires time and available mental space. For this reason, in some situations it makes more sense to propose a different path. When the reason for the contact is an ongoing acute pain, a recent trauma or a suspected abscess, the priority is to resolve the emergency: we direct to a targeted assessment focused on the symptom, and we postpone the in-depth interview to a second appointment, when the person is no longer under pressure.
Even those looking exclusively for a second estimate with the same plan, without room to discuss clinical alternatives, derive less value from this setting: that need is better served by an approach based on criteria for choosing a dental practice, or a structured second opinion. Declaring when a setting is not indicated is part of respect for the patient's time and reduces abandonment of the process in the following weeks due to misalignment of expectations.
How we decide if and when to intervene
The decision to treat does not arise in the first meeting, unless there is clear evidence of urgency. The sequence is described on the page dedicated to the first specialist visit and is divided into three moments: reconstruction of the clinical history and experience, clinical examination with diagnostic imaging if needed, a reasoned explanation of what we find. Only then, if it makes sense, do we talk about options.
The guiding criterion is the clinical legitimacy of the proposal. European research on the relationship between team and patient with dental fear describes this process as reciprocal: it works when verbal and non-verbal communication, respect and attention are combined with a balance between closeness and professional distance [PMID:21896054]. For the patient, in practice, it means having the right to ask "why this and not something else", and to receive an answer that cites tests, alternatives and limits, not just conclusions.
What to expect during the meeting
The appointment lasts the time necessary to arrive at a clear picture, generally around an hour. We start from the word, not from the instrument. The first questions concern the personal history of treatment: what went well, what didn't, what the person would like not to experience again. A 2024 qualitative study of adults with dental anxiety found that among the themes that truly shape the in-office experience, patients cited supportive behaviors, trust in the professional, and perceived benevolence [PMID:39137995].
From there we move on to a clinical examination of the mouth and, if necessary, diagnostic images. When indicated, more detailed assessments of restorations and root canals are carried out using the operating microscope, which allows us to show the patient in a concrete way what we observe. The final explanation is structured: what we found, what takes priority, what can wait, what alternatives exist. We do not sign treatment plans in the first meeting if there is no clinical reason to do so.
How the clinical relationship is maintained over time
The objective of the first visit is to reduce the risk of abandonment after the first sessions, not to close a contract. Subsequent visits are planned in a sustainable way with respect to the patient's emotional availability, and with a recall process that takes into account the experience, not just the cavity. Professional hygiene recalls are an opportunity to consolidate the relationship and to detect early signs of failure of restorations, gums or implants.
Those who come to the practice after years of procrastination often don't just need technique: they need a structure that will hold up over time. To better understand this aspect, it may be useful to read our in-depth analysis on fear of the dentist and a manageable first visit in Turin, complementary to this page. The clinical and training path that guides the approach is described on the page dedicated to training of Dr. Buniato.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a first visit designed for those who have had difficult experiences different?
It is distinguished by the sequence: structured listening before the exam, clinical examination only after having understood the experience, feedback that describes what we see and not just what we propose. No clinical decisions are made in the first meeting if not useful to the patient at that moment.
although I am quite afraid of the dentist, I feel calm with him. He works with great attention to patients’ needs.
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I have known the Buniato dental practice for several years, after various experiences at other practices! I have always had a good experience: the doctor and his colleagues are knowledgeable, kind and precise. He has always advised me tactfully but professionally, and I must say that, although I am quite afraid of the dentist, I feel calm with him. He works with great attention to patients’ needs. Thank you again. Elisabetta
When is this first visit not the indicated setting?
When the reason for the contact is acute pain, trauma or a suspected abscess, the clinical priority is to resolve the emergency: the in-depth interview is postponed to a second appointment, when the person is no longer under pressure. Even those who are only looking for a second estimate on the same plan, with no room to discuss clinical alternatives, derive less value from this setting.
All the staff at the practice are very friendly, attentive and punctual, and flexible when necessary.
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All the staff at the practice are very friendly, attentive and punctual, and flexible when necessary. I am very satisfied with all the work Dr Buniato has done for me, including resolving a difficult problem with a crown that had been going on for years, with attention to appearance as well as function. Even my daughters, who are in their twenties, are happy to go to the dentist.
Can I come without obligation to continue?
Yes. The first visit has value in itself as an opportunity to understand the situation. The clinical report is written and legible, so that it can be reread calmly or used when seeking a second opinion. We do not sign treatment plans in the first meeting in the absence of a clear clinical reason.
friendly and willing to listen
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Clean and always tidy premises Excellent staff The doctor is always friendly and willing to listen and find solutions for every need The paediatric dentist is very pleasant and wonderful with children and teenagers The nurses complete the team with excellence and professionalism
How long does the meeting last and what is useful to bring?
The meeting lasts about an hour. It is useful to bring the latest available x-rays, any estimates or recent reports, and the updated list of medications taken. No new tests are required before the visit: if necessary, they are evaluated and proposed during the meeting itself.
The entire team is also kind, welcoming and very well organised.
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I began treatment with Dr Gianluca Buniato to straighten my teeth as an adult — I am 40 — and I can say it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Thanks to a carefully planned course of orthodontic treatment lasting less than two years, I achieved results I would never have thought possible: my smile has changed completely and I finally feel confident showing it!
Dr Buniato is extremely precise, attentive and always willing to explain every stage of treatment. The entire team is also kind, welcoming and very well organised. The practice, on Corso Francia in Turin, is carefully designed down to the smallest detail and immediately gives you a sense of trust and calm.
Although I live quite far from the practice, the excellent reviews persuaded me to put my trust in the doctor, and I can confirm that it was the right choice.
I absolutely recommend this practice to anyone who wants to improve their smile with professionalism, technology and plenty of personal attention.
For a personalized assessment of your case, Dr. Buniato is available for an initial specialist visit with complete diagnostic analysis.
Sources
- Valastro ML, Bono LK, Gurenlian JR. Dentally Anxious Patients’ Perceptions of Oral Health Care. Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2024. PMID:39137995.
- Armfield JM, Ketting M. Predictors of dental avoidance among Australian adults with different levels of dental anxiety. Health Psychology. 2015;34. doi:10.1037/hea0000186. PMID:25528183.
- Bernson JM, Hallberg LR-M, Elfström ML, Hakeberg M. Making dental care possible: a mutual affair — a grounded theory relating to adult patients with dental fear and regular dental treatment. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 2011;119. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0722.2011.00845.x. PMID:21896054.
