How do you prepare for your first dental implant consultation? What to bring and what to ask.
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Most people walk into their first implant consult empty-handed and let the practice run the entire show. That's backwards. Implant planning depends on accurate information, and you're the source of most of it. I've spent years working alongside dental implant practices on the business side, so I've watched which consults turn into real clinical conversations and which ones turn into a sales pitch. The difference is almost always how prepared the patient walked in. What to bring Photo ID and insurance , even if you're paying out of pocket. Some implant-related steps get partially covered. A full medication list with dosages, including supplements. Some drugs (blood thinners, bisphosphonates) directly affect implant surgery, so this isn't optional. Any recent dental records, X-rays, or CBCT scans from past providers, so you're not paying for duplicate imaging. Your questions, written down. You will forget half of them in the chair otherwise. What they'll want to know Be ready to talk through your medical history (diabetes and smoking matter), gum disease history, any grinding or clenching, past problems with dental work or anesthesia, and your actual goal: one tooth, several, or a full arch. Questions worth asking What's your specialty training and how many implant cases do you do a year? Am I actually a candidate, and what has to happen first? What implant brand do you use, and why? What's the final prosthetic made of? Do you use 3D CBCT imaging and guided surgery? Will you personally do the surgery? Can I get an itemized price breakdown? What's the warranty, in writing? Which follow-up visits are included? Can you connect me with past patients? What actually happens at the visit A typical consult runs: history review, a hands-on exam of your gums and teeth, a CBCT scan (3D bone imaging, which is central to safe planning), then a discussion of options with a written plan and quote. On money A single implant generally runs $3,000 to $6,000. Full-mouth All-on-4 (both arches) is a much bigger number and varies a lot by region. Whatever the figure, get an itemized written quote , not a lump sum, and ask specifically about separate charges for extractions, bone grafts, sedation, temporary teeth, and follow-ups. What to avoid Don't commit the same day. Real treatment plans survive a night's sleep and a second opinion. Be wary of "today only" discounts and any pressure that's designed to make you decide before you've thought it through. Treat the consult as an evaluation running in both directions: they're assessing you, and you're assessing them. If you interested to learn more about how to prep for your initial consultation, the full version is on our blog .
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