expectations. Honestly, we don't love finding a laundry list of needs on someone we just met, and then having them deliberate on how credible we are, and whether to get anything done.

There's a textbook ideal on all of the following for your mouth:
Gum health
Tooth strength
Pulp health/sensitivity
Color
Alignment
Grinding and wear
Esthetics
Replacement of missing teeth
Maintenance of prior repairs
Anesthesia/sedation/comfort during procedures
Convenience and timeliness of treatment
and a few more than I'm overlooking

You may or may not have interest in being at (and paying for) the textbook ideal on that full list. Try to get as much clarity about yourself as you can and communicate that to your provider. For that matter, I'm not sure that every dentist out there would achieve the textbook ideal on each of those items either. As best as you can, figure out an arrangement where you've got a dentist whose highest skills are lined up with your highest priorities, and have a good dialogue about what treatments fit your interests and needs.

I know that's a lot for an initial visit. I'm just describing the situation that we like to achieve that genuinely fits you the best (and is more satisfying to the provider as well, which counts for something!).