How to Prepare for Your First Dental Implant Consultation

Thinking about replacing a missing tooth with an implant? Your first consultation sets the foundation for everything that follows — the scan, the plan, the timeline, and the cost. Here's how to make the most of it.

Step 1: Gather your dental history

Bring a list of any medications you take, recent dental X-rays if you have them from another office, and notes on the tooth or teeth you'd like to replace. If you've had gum disease, grinding issues, or previous extractions in that area, mention them up front — they influence how the implant is planned.

Step 2: Expect a 3D Cone Beam scan

Unlike a flat X-ray, a Cone Beam CT captures your jaw in three dimensions so we can see bone height, nerve position, and sinus location. This scan is what makes precise, guided implant placement possible. You can read more about what the scan actually shows in our Cone Beam CT deep dive.

Step 3: Talk through the treatment plan

Your dentist will walk you through the number of visits, healing time between placement and crown, and whether a bone graft is needed. Ask about the crown material, the warranty, and what maintenance looks like year to year. If you'd like background reading before you come in, our guide to dental implants covers the basics.

Step 4: Review the estimate and next steps

You'll leave with a written estimate, an insurance pre-authorisation if applicable, and a clear sense of the timeline. No pressure to book on the spot — take the plan home and decide.

Ready to schedule? Become a new patient or call 604-535-8835.