What It’s Like to Go to the Dentist When You’ve Been Avoiding It for Years

April 28, 2026
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It can feel daunting to think about visiting the dentist if it's been a while since your last visit. You may feel anxious about dental appointments or ashamed about the appearance or condition of your teeth.

Well, you should know you're not alone, and at Signature Smiles, our team is ready and excited to meet you and welcome you into our dental practice, no matter the condition of your smile or how long it's been. Dr. Cook's primary goal when he started our practice back in 2015 was to create a place where people actually enjoy going to the dentist, and he did just that! We offer a friendly, judgment-free environment and dental care designed to meet you where you're at and get your smile on track.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Routine Checkups

After your warm welcome, if you're visiting us for a routine dental cleaning and checkup, we'll start with x-rays, photos, and a thorough evaluation of your teeth with one of our dentists. If it's been a while, we may need to reschedule your teeth cleaning to have more time with you; if not, our dental hygienist will perform a cleaning at your first visit. 

Our dentists will discuss your health history and smile goals so we can get to know the person behind the smile. We'll review any treatment needs with you and thoroughly explain what you need and why. You'll leave your first visit with a road map for the future of your dental care, with you in the driver's seat.

Emergency Dentistry

If you're coming to us with a tooth emergency, our primary goal is to relieve your pain and provide treatment the same day if it's possible. Our dentists will examine the compromised tooth and use an x-ray to diagnose the problem. We'd love to see you back in the future for a routine teeth cleaning and checkup.

Ready to Schedule?

Contact your Cary, NC, dentist at (919) 551-7856 to schedule your next appointment. We can't wait to meet you!