What to Expect at Your Dental Implant Consultation
A comprehensive guide to your first appointment with our specialist
Your Consultation Is More Than Just a Check-Up
Your initial consultation with our prosthodontist is a thorough evaluation designed to gather comprehensive information about your situation and determine the best path forward for your dental care. This is not a quick assessment or a sales pitch. Rather, it is a detailed appointment where our specialist takes time to understand your concerns, evaluate your candidacy, and explain your options clearly.
The consultation gives you the opportunity to ask questions, express your concerns, and get a clear sense of what implant treatment involves. You will leave with written documentation of your findings, a detailed treatment plan, an itemized cost estimate, and a realistic timeline. You are under no obligation to proceed with treatment, and many patients find it helpful to take this information home and consider their options before deciding.
Plan for your consultation to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This gives our specialist adequate time to do a thorough job rather than rushing through the process.
What Happens During Your Consultation: Step by Step
Check-In and Initial Paperwork
Upon arrival, you will check in and complete initial paperwork, including patient information forms and a comprehensive health history questionnaire. This helps our team understand your background and any health factors that may affect implant treatment.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Medical and Dental History Review
our prosthodontist will review your medical history with you, asking detailed questions about any medical conditions, medications, surgeries, and allergies. Your dental history is equally important, including information about previous dental work, implants elsewhere, gum disease, or any dental problems you have experienced. Be thorough and honest about your history. This information is essential for proper treatment planning.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Clinical Examination
our prosthodontist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. This includes assessment of your remaining teeth, their position and health status. Your gums are examined to evaluate gum health and determine whether any gum treatment is needed before implants. Your bite is evaluated to understand your chewing function. The bone structure supporting your teeth is palpated to assess bone density and determine what bone volume is available for implants.
Your extraoral (outside the mouth) examination includes evaluation of your face, jaw position, and how your teeth relate to your facial features. This information helps determine the esthetic considerations for your restoration.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Advanced 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging
Three-dimensional imaging is essential for implant planning. Unlike traditional two-dimensional X-rays, CBCT imaging provides a complete three-dimensional picture of your jaw bone, showing bone density, bone dimensions, and the exact anatomy of the area where implants would be placed.
The CBCT scan takes only a few seconds, and the radiation exposure is minimal, comparable to traditional dental X-rays. The scan reveals whether you have adequate bone volume for implants or whether bone grafting would be beneficial. It shows the position of important anatomical structures such as nerves and sinuses, allowing our specialist to plan implant placement with precision.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Digital Photographs
High-resolution digital photographs are taken from multiple angles to document your smile and facial appearance. These photographs are used in treatment planning, especially important for determining the esthetic requirements of your restoration. Photographs help our specialist ensure that your new restoration will integrate harmoniously with your facial features and smile design.
Time: 5 minutes
Review of Findings and Detailed Discussion
Our specialist reviews the imaging results with you, explaining what the CBCT scan reveals about your bone anatomy. They discuss your clinical examination findings and address any concerns. If implants are appropriate for your situation, the advantages and benefits are explained. If additional procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extraction are needed, these are discussed thoroughly.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you understand the findings. Our specialist explains in clear language what the imaging shows and what it means for your treatment options.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Treatment Options and Plans Presented
Our specialist presents the treatment options available to you. Depending on your situation, this may include single implants, multiple implants, full arch restorations, or other solutions. Each option is explained with the advantages and considerations of each approach.
For each option, the number of implants needed, the type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture), the timeline, and the cost are discussed. You understand what each option entails and the differences between them.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Written Treatment Plan and Cost Estimate
You receive a detailed written treatment plan that documents the findings, the recommended treatment approach, the timeline, and an itemized cost estimate. The treatment plan shows exactly what is included in the quoted price and what is not included (such as preparatory procedures).
Insurance information is discussed, and you are informed about what your insurance may cover and what you will be responsible for. Financing options are explained.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Questions and Time to Consider
Our specialist answers all your questions. There is no such thing as a silly question. Many patients ask about pain, recovery, how the implant feels, or other concerns. All questions are answered frankly and thoroughly.
You are told that you do not need to decide immediately. Many patients prefer to take their treatment plan home, review it, discuss it with family, and contact the office with additional questions before committing to treatment. This is perfectly acceptable. The decision to proceed with implant treatment should be made without pressure.
Time: 10-15 minutes
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
Bring Your Insurance Card
Have your dental insurance card available. If you have medical insurance that may cover any aspect of implant treatment, bring that as well. Our team can check your coverage and explain what your insurance will and will not cover.
List Your Medications and Supplements
Prepare a list of all current medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Include the dose and frequency of each. This information is important for understanding how medications may affect treatment planning or healing.
Gather Previous Dental Records
If you have dental records from other providers, X-rays, or previous implant imaging, bring these or ask your previous dentist to send them to our office. This helps our specialist understand your previous dental history and treatment.
Prepare a List of Questions
Write down any questions you want to ask. This ensures you remember everything you want to discuss. Common questions include queries about pain, recovery time, activity restrictions, how implants feel, and other concerns. Our prosthodontist will answer all questions completely.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in and paperwork completion. This gets your appointment off to a smooth start.
Bring Photo ID
Have a photo ID available for verification and records purposes.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear comfortable, relaxed clothing. You will be reclined for the clinical examination and imaging, so clothing that allows you to be comfortable in a reclined position is best.
Plan Your Schedule
Allow 90 minutes for your appointment, plus travel time. Do not schedule your consultation right before an important meeting or event. This allows adequate time for a thorough evaluation without rushing.
After Your Consultation
Written Documentation
You leave your consultation with detailed written documentation including a summary of findings, the recommended treatment plan, an itemized cost estimate, and a timeline for treatment. This information is yours to keep and review.
Time to Consider
You do not need to make a decision about proceeding with treatment at the consultation. Many patients find it helpful to review the treatment plan at home, discuss it with family members, and consider their options before committing. This is a significant decision, and taking time to think it through is appropriate.
Contact With Questions
If you have additional questions after your consultation, do not hesitate to contact our office. Our staff can answer follow-up questions or schedule a brief phone consultation to discuss your concerns.
Scheduling Treatment
When you are ready to proceed with treatment, contact our office to schedule your first treatment appointment. For cases requiring preparatory procedures, the next appointment may be for bone grafting, tooth extraction, or gum treatment. For straightforward cases, the next appointment would be for implant placement surgery.
Financial Arrangements
Before beginning treatment, financial arrangements are finalized. Insurance is verified, your out-of-pocket cost is confirmed, and financing options (if needed) are arranged.
Pre-Operative Instructions
If you proceed with treatment, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions for your upcoming procedure, including medication guidelines, eating and drinking restrictions, and what to expect on the day of surgery.
Ready for Your Consultation?
Schedule your appointment with our team today to begin your journey toward a healthier, more complete smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Consultation
How long does the initial consultation take?
Your initial consultation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows adequate time for Our specialist to review your medical and dental history, perform a thorough clinical examination, take three-dimensional imaging, discuss findings, and answer your questions. While most consultations fit within 90 minutes, complex cases may require additional time.
Is there a fee for the implant consultation?
A consultation fee applies for your comprehensive evaluation. The consultation includes the clinical examination, 3D imaging, detailed assessment, treatment planning, and cost estimate. The consultation fee can be applied to your treatment if you proceed with implants. Ask about the specific consultation fee when you schedule your appointment.
Should I bring anything to my consultation appointment?
Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications and supplements, any relevant dental records from other dentists, and a list of questions you want to ask. If you have previous dental X-rays or imaging from other providers, these are helpful. Bring your photo ID and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.