Guide
What to prepare before an implant consultation
Ten minutes of preparation makes clinics far easier to compare. Sort out your own history, the questions to ask, and what to get in writing.
Sort out your own situation first
Half of a consultation is you talking. Note down when you lost the tooth (or when it is due to be extracted), any conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis, the medications you take, and whether you smoke. The conversation gets noticeably more concrete when those are on hand.
Osteoporosis medication in particular — the bisphosphonate family — can change an implant plan, so give the exact drug name.
Three lines of questioning are enough
Start with diagnosis: "What do you examine before you make the plan? How do you decide whether a bone graft is needed?" Then people: "Which dentist places the implant? And who does the restoration?" Then money: "Does this estimate include the examination, the bone graft, the temporary crown and the final restoration?"
Put the same questions to two or three clinics and the difference shows up in how specific the answers are.
What to get in writing
An itemised estimate, the expected treatment schedule including how many visits it takes, and the warranty terms. Do not leave those three as a spoken explanation — this is exactly where memories diverge later.
A clinic that writes the breakdown out before you ask is both easier to compare and less likely to end up in a dispute than one that would rather keep it verbal.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Is there a fee for the consultation?
It varies by clinic. The consultation itself may be free while panoramic or CT imaging is charged, so ask about both when you call to book.
Do I really have to disclose my medication?
Yes. Osteoporosis drugs (the bisphosphonate family) and anticoagulants bear directly on the surgical plan. Photographing the packaging is the easiest way to get the names right.
Can I have an implant if I am diabetic?
Often yes, if blood sugar is under control. It can affect how quickly things heal, so share recent readings at the consultation and have them factored into the plan.
Can I consult before the tooth is extracted?
Yes. An implant can sometimes be placed at the same time as the extraction, and sometimes it is better to wait for healing. Consulting before extraction often widens your options rather than narrowing them.
If I consult several clinics, do I need new imaging each time?
You can ask for your imaging (CT, panoramic) on a disc or as files. Ask each clinic in advance whether bringing previous imaging can avoid a repeat scan.
What has to appear on the estimate?
Examination and diagnosis, placement (the fixture), bone graft if needed, temporary crown, final restoration, and aftercare and warranty terms. If items are bundled together, ask what has been left out.
What if they push me to pay the same day?
You are under no obligation to decide there. Take the estimate, compare it elsewhere, then decide. A same-day discount can look large, but across the whole course of treatment, comparing comes first.
How do I check the warranty terms?
Get the length and the scope — fixture and restoration are often covered separately — plus whether keeping the check-up schedule is a condition, and what happens if another clinic treats the same tooth. In writing.
Related