What happens at an implant consultation

The first appointment for dental implants is not about surgery. It is about understanding what you need, what is possible, and what the treatment would involve, so you can decide calmly with all the information in front of you.

Before you arrive

It helps to bring:

• a list of the medicines you take and any medical conditions,
• recent dental X-rays, scans or reports if you have them,
• notes on what bothers you most, whether that is a gap, a loose denture, difficulty chewing or the look of your smile.

Your concerns come first

The consultation starts with a conversation. What would you like to change? What has your experience been with previous dental work? Are there practical constraints, such as travel or timing? This shapes everything that follows.

The examination

Dr. Nour examines your teeth, gums and bite, and the area where teeth are missing. He looks at:

• the health of the gums, because gum disease needs treating before implants,
• the remaining teeth, and whether they can be predictably kept,
• the way your teeth meet, since the bite affects where and how implants are planned,
• the thickness of the gum and the shape of the ridge where the implant would go.

Imaging

An implant has to sit in bone, at a safe distance from nerves and sinuses. Ordinary examination cannot show this, so imaging is often needed. X-rays, and three-dimensional imaging where appropriate, show the height and width of the bone and the position of nearby structures. This is what makes accurate planning possible.

Talking through the options

Once the picture is clear, the options are explained. For a single missing tooth, that might be an implant or a bridge. For several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge. When most or all teeth are missing, a full arch on implants such as All-on-6. Each option comes with its benefits, limits, risks and the number of visits involved.

The written plan

After the consultation you receive a plan that sets out the stages of treatment and what each includes. This is the point to take your time. A good plan answers your questions before you commit.

Questions worth asking

• How many visits will this take, and over what period?
• Will I have teeth while the implants heal?
• What are the risks in my case?
• How will the implants be looked after in the long term?
• What happens if something needs adjusting later?

After the consultation

There is no obligation to start treatment. Many people go home, think it over and come back with more questions, which is exactly how it should be. Follow-up is part of the practice’s approach. The phrase “Still following up my patients” describes a commitment that begins well before treatment and continues long after.

To arrange a consultation, request an appointment or call the clinic.