How long is a dentist appointment?

[LynetteScavo]

I know my hairdressers appointments are 45mins each....but what about dentists?

I have an appointment at 3.40pm, but have to be somewhere (10mins away) at 4.30 and I absolutely be late for the 4.30apt.

The dentist appointment is for a broken back tooth I hope can be patched up. Should I rearrange it?

Phone them up and ask how much time they've booked for the appointment, also tell them you have to leave by 4.20, the receptionist will know if that dentist is likely to run behind (although sometimes things happen that can't be predicted)

Yes, I'll phone up and ask first thing. I can also be there early, just incase they're running early.

But I just wish someone on MN knew more than me and could give me a definite answer.

OP it depends what's being done ,for something complicated it might be 30 mins ,for something simple it might be 10 .

If it's just a check up my guess would be 10 mins or less

I'm booked in tomorrow for a filling tomorrow and they have booked a 20 min appointment. I have had to wait a while before though as they are running behind.

My dentist is roughly 10 minutes check up and 25 - 30 minutes if you need anaesthetic and work etc. Though he does talk through everything he is doing and is very patient

I presumed you meant a check up which is under 10mins once you get called. However, "work" is very individual, depending on what the issue is.
If it needs an anaesthetic then you will need 5mins 'waiting time' for that to work, for example.
Many dentists always run late which you need to factor in.

Plus, if the appt at 4.30 is important, do yo want to be there with dribble coming from a numbed mouth ?

Standard appointment at mine is 20 minutes but there’s no guarantee you’ll be in on time due to emergency appointments. Annoying if you are waiting. Understandable if you’re the one in pain with the emergency.

With a broken back tooth are you the emergency? Have they fitted you in last minute? If yes I’d expect the times might be flexible

10 minutes for the first appointment. I had a broken tooth last week she patched me up in the first appointment then re booked me this week for 20 minutes to do whatever it is she is doing

I would rearrange one of them if it’s possible. It sounds stressful and there is no leeway for the dentist running late which they often do IME.

They generally don't treat you at the first appointment, that's for assessment and temporary repairs if necessary. You'll have a second appointment for the actual repair.

My last check up took 30 minutes. Definitely ask.

If it is your first appointment for this issue, chances are the dentist will assess the problem and discuss options with you. Once you've decided on a treatment plan, you'll probably make another appointment to return to have the work carried out.
However, as others have said, dentists, IME, hardly ever see you in time unless you are the first appointment of the day.
If you absolutely cannot be late for the other appointment, I'd definitely consider rescheduling the dentist.

Well, I was 10 mins early...went in 10 mins early and came out 15 minuets later.

So all good, and no stress or rushing.

The receptionist/dental nurse couldn't tell me how long I would be in with the dentist. Presumably somebody was due in after me, dentist booking systems remain a mystery. 🤷🏻‍♀️