Here’s What to Expect at Your Dental Implant Consultation

If you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth with dental implants, your journey will begin with an initial consultation. This first step is essential for determining whether dental implants are right for you. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and help you understand what to expect from the process.

Here’s a closer look at what typically happens during a dental implant consultation.

A Detailed Review of Your Medical and Dental History

Your dentist will start by asking about your overall health and dental history. Because successful healing is essential for implants to fuse with the jawbone, conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or smoking habits may affect your candidacy. Be honest about any medications you’re taking and past dental treatments you’ve received, including extractions, root canals, or crowns.

This part of the consultation helps your dental team identify any risks or complications that might need to be addressed before moving forward.

A Comprehensive Oral Examination

Next, your dentist will perform a thorough exam of your mouth, including your gums, remaining teeth, and bite alignment. Healthy gums and strong jawbone density are two critical factors for implant success. If there’s any sign of gum disease or bone loss, your dentist may recommend preliminary treatments such as scaling and root planing or bone grafting to get your mouth ready for implants.

They may also check for signs of teeth grinding (bruxism), which can put excess pressure on implants.

Dental Imaging and Scans

To get a detailed view of your jawbone and oral structures, your dentist will likely take digital X-rays or a 3D cone beam CT scan. These images help determine the ideal placement for your implant posts and identify any potential issues like nerve proximity, sinus cavities, or low bone density.

Imaging is an essential part of planning a safe and effective implant procedure.

A Customized Treatment Plan

Once your dentist has all the information, they’ll create a tailored treatment plan based on your unique needs. This plan will include how many implants are needed, where they’ll be placed, and whether any preparatory procedures (like tooth extractions or bone grafts) are required.

You’ll also get a sense of the timeline—from surgery to healing to final restoration—as well as an estimate of the overall cost.

A Chance to Ask Questions

Your consultation is the perfect time to ask anything you’re unsure about. You might want to know how long the procedure takes, what the recovery is like, how to care for your implants, or how long they typically last. Your dentist will walk you through each step so you can feel confident moving forward.

Why the Consultation Matters

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process, but it starts with a thoughtful, personalized consultation. This first appointment ensures you’re a good candidate and helps your dentist create a plan that sets you up for long-term success.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—this visit is all about preparing you for a healthier, more complete smile.

About the Practice

Dr. Condie of Desert Springs Dental is committed to helping patients restore their smiles with confidence in the Gilbert community. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or need full-mouth restoration, our personalized dental implant solutions are designed for lasting function and natural-looking results in a comfortable, welcoming setting.

Call us at (480) 780-9080 or request an appointment online.