You can attend a dental implant consultation with questions, rather than a decision to have surgery. A useful discussion helps you understand your restoration options, the assessment needed and your next step. A CT scan and an existing treatment plan can help the clinician understand your situation, but they do not replace an examination.
This guide is for people with a missing tooth, those who have been advised to have a tooth removed, or anyone seeking another opinion on a treatment plan. It helps you prepare for a conversation; it cannot determine whether implants are suitable for you.
Request a Dentor consultation about your CT scan or treatment plan. If you do not have a scan, let the team know so they can explain the next step.
Start with the problem you want to address
Describe what concerns you: a missing tooth, an uncomfortable restoration, the appearance of your smile or a treatment plan you do not understand. Mention when the tooth was lost and any previous restoration. If the tooth is still present, ask which options should be considered before deciding on extraction.
You do not need to choose an implant brand or number of implants yourself. First discuss what needs restoring and which approaches are available. Leeds Teaching Hospitals lists bridges and removable dentures among alternatives to implants; the appropriate choice depends on the individual situation.
When booking, mention any current pain or swelling. Addressing that problem may take priority over a planned discussion about replacing teeth.
What to prepare in advance
Gather what you already have. Missing some documents is not a reason to postpone your first enquiry.
- The date and files from your latest CT scan or other dental imaging.
- Reports, a written treatment plan and quote from another clinic if you want a second opinion.
- A short history of treatment in the affected area and any existing restorations.
- A list of medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions to discuss with the clinician.
- Your main questions about preserving a tooth, restoration options, costs, timing or future care.
Guy's and St Thomas' advises patients to bring a medicine list and any removable dentures to their first implant appointment. Do not stop or change medicines yourself before a consultation.
Ask the Dentor team how to share medical documents safely. You do not need to publish your scan in an open forum to request an appointment.
Is a photograph of the CT screen enough?
Tell the clinic which materials you have: the original scan, a diagnostic centre's link, a report or only selected images. The team can clarify what is needed for review. Do not expect a final answer from one photograph; the clinician must assess whether the information is sufficient.
Provide the scan date and explain what has changed since then, such as an extraction, operation or new treatment. An existing scan may not answer the current clinical question. Any further investigation is a decision for the clinician.
Do not arrange another CT scan simply because you have read this checklist. First ask about the clinical need and requirements for imaging. The cost of a scan and the consultation fee are separate questions.
Questions to ask the clinician
Ask for a plain-language explanation and for the findings that support the proposed treatment to be shown to you.
- What problem does the proposed restoration address, and what alternatives are available?
- Which conclusions can you draw now, and which need an examination or further investigations?
- Which treatment stages do I need, and why?
- Is preparation needed before implant placement? How could it affect cost and timing?
- What temporary and permanent restoration is proposed, if applicable?
- Who is responsible for surgery, the crown and follow-up?
- Which individual risks and limitations should I understand?
- What is the full estimate, and what could change it after treatment begins?
This list does not mean every patient needs every procedure. Its purpose is to understand the reasoning behind a proposal, rather than create a treatment plan from information online.
How to discuss a second opinion
Bring the complete earlier plan and explain what concerns you: the number of implants, extra procedures, timing or what the price includes. Ask the clinician to discuss the reasons for the recommendations, rather than simply finding a cheaper or more expensive proposal.
Plans may differ because clinicians are working from different information or proposing different restorations. Ask what is consistent between the plans, where the approaches differ and what further information would help compare them.
A second opinion does not guarantee that treatment will be simpler or less expensive. Its value is a clearer decision and the opportunity to ask questions before giving consent.
What to clarify before the consultation ends
Write down the options discussed, the proposed sequence of treatment, any unanswered questions and expected costs. Ask what has been confirmed and what remains preliminary. Discuss review appointments and how to contact the team after treatment.
For a detailed budget, ask for an estimate covering every stage, including the permanent crown, connecting components and any preparation. Current service information is on the Dentor dental implant page.
You can request a free Dentor consultation using your existing CT scan and discuss a previously proposed treatment plan. If you do not have a scan, mention that when enquiring; the assessment process is determined individually.
Discuss dental implants and request a consultation for your case. Your first message only needs to describe the issue and whether you have a scan. Decisions about treatment follow a discussion with the clinician.
To compare estimates, see our guide to the full cost of implant treatment.