What Should I Ask at My Implant Consultation?

Getting dental implants is a big step, and it’s essential that you feel fully prepared. This means finding the right implant dentist to carry out the work and finding out as much information as possible ahead of your procedure. It can all feel a little overwhelming, so to help, we’ve put together a list of questions that you should ask at your dental implant consultation appointment.

Questions for your implant dentist

It’s important to make sure that you choose a dental implant who has plenty of skill and experience, which will help reassure you that you are in safe hands and will enjoy excellent results from your treatment. Some of the questions that you should ask your implant dentist should include:

• How long have you been fitting dental implants and roughly how many have you placed?

 It doesn’t matter how much education and training a dentist has received if they have never had chance to put their knowledge into practice. The best implant dentists will have plenty of experience which will help to prepare them for any and every eventuality.

• How many of the implants that you’ve placed have failed?

 Failed implants are uncommon, but they do happen. Finding out if your chosen dental implant dentist has every had this situation and why can be important in understanding if they are the right dentist for you.

• Do you have any before and after photographs I can see and where can I find reviews?

 The best way to judge the work of any dentist is to see it for yourself. Any reputable dental implant dentist will have before and after images that they can proudly share to showcase their work, as well as plenty of glowing reviews, both on their website and on impartial review sites too.

• Questions about getting dental implants

 These are some of the most common questions we’re asked about getting dental implants.

• Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

 Although dental implants are suitable for many people, every patient must have a comprehensive consultation before they can be approved for the procedure. This will let your dental implant dentist check that your mouth and teeth are otherwise in good health, you are at low risk of developing complication and should have a positive outcome from the treatment.

• Can I smoke?

 Smoking is a big no-no for dental implants as it interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications, including developing gum disease which could compromise the longevity of your implants later on. Good candidates are non-smokers, or people who are prepared to give up smoking for the sake of their smile.

• How long do dental implants take?

 Your dental implant dentist should be happy to explain the process to you, so that you are aware of the timelines involved and can decide if they work for your schedule. Some dental implant providers are able to offer same/next day implants.

• Do you offer any guarantees on your implants?

 Any good dental implant dentist will be happy to guarantee both the materials used to create the dental implants, and the procedure itself.

• What if I don’t have enough healthy jawbone for dental implants?

 Dental implants rely on patients having a certain amount of healthy bone in their jaw. However, if you don’t have enough jaw bone density, it may be possible for you to have bone grafting first, which will add volume and make dental implants a viable tooth replacement solution.

• Are there any maintenance costs and what will they be?

 Dental implants are generally a one-off cost, but it is advisable to confirm this with your dental implant provider.

• How can I pay for dental implants?



 Dental implants are rarely covered by dental insurance, but it is worth checking your policy to be sure. Since dental implants require a significant financial investment, most providers offer a variety of payment plans to suit each budget. Enquire directly with your chosen dental implant provider.

For more advice on what to ask at your dental implant consultation, call Smile Center at (740) 417-9565 to reach our office in Delaware, Ohio.