The dental implant consultation checklist

What a thorough evaluation includes

A first-visit implant evaluation is not simply a look inside the mouth and a quote. A thorough evaluation reviews systemic health, current medications, oral hygiene status, radiographs (typically a CBCT for implant planning), the condition of neighboring teeth, occlusion, and — critically — the patient's own goals.

If the consultation moves directly to a price without covering those elements, that is itself a data point. Ask for the missing steps before continuing.

Records the clinician should review

• Recent panoramic radiograph.
• CBCT (cone-beam CT) for the planned surgical site.
• Current medication and medical condition list (including bisphosphonates and antiresorptive therapy).
• Prior extractions, prior implant surgery, prior grafting.
• History of periodontal disease and current periodontal status.

Questions to ask about the recommended plan

1. What are the reasonable alternatives — including doing nothing?
2. Do I need grafting or sinus augmentation before or during implant placement?
3. Immediate placement vs. delayed placement — which is being recommended and why?
4. Immediate loading (temporary crown at surgery) vs. delayed loading — which and why?
5. What is the expected timeline from first visit to final crown?
6. What is the written warranty on the implant, abutment, and crown?
7. What happens if the implant fails during healing?

Questions about the operator and facility

1. Who specifically will perform the surgery and who will do the final restoration?
2. How many of this exact procedure have you personally performed in the past year?
3. What is the sterilization protocol, and can I see the spore-test log?
4. What is your protocol if a complication occurs during or after surgery?

What to bring home

• The written itemized treatment plan.
• Your radiographs or CBCT in a portable format.
• The estimated timeline with visit intervals.
• The warranty terms in writing.