What Happens at a Dental Implant Consultation? (Step by Step)

If you are considering dental implants London, the consultation is your first and most important step. It is an assessment appointment — not a procedure — designed to evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and determine whether implant treatment may be suitable for your situation.

Many patients feel uncertain about what to expect at an implant consultation, so this guide walks you through the typical process step by step. It is worth noting that every consultation is personalised. What is discussed and assessed will depend on your individual circumstances, medical history and clinical findings.

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following a consultation. It is an opportunity to gather information, ask questions and make an informed decision in your own time.

Step 1: Discussing Your Dental and Medical History

Your consultation will typically begin with a detailed discussion about your health. This helps your dental team understand any factors that may influence treatment planning or healing.

What Will Be Discussed?

• General health — including any long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis
• Medications — certain medications can affect healing, bone metabolism or bleeding, so your dental team needs a complete picture
• Previous dental treatments — including past extractions, root canal treatments, dentures or previous implant work
• Lifestyle factors — such as smoking, which can influence healing and long-term implant health
• Allergies or sensitivities — to ensure materials and medications used are appropriate for you

This conversation is confidential and is conducted to ensure your safety and the quality of your care. Being open and thorough at this stage helps your dental team plan effectively.

Step 2: Clinical Examination of Your Teeth and Gums

A hands-on clinical examination allows your dentist to assess the current state of your oral health. This is a gentle, non-invasive process and an essential part of understanding your treatment needs.

What Does the Examination Include?

• Gum health assessment — checking for signs of gum disease, inflammation or recession that may need to be addressed before implant treatment
• Condition of remaining teeth — evaluating the health of your existing teeth and any restorations
• Bite evaluation — assessing how your upper and lower teeth come together, which influences implant positioning and restoration design
• Soft tissue assessment — examining the gum tissue in the area where implants may be placed

If any existing oral health issues are identified — such as gum disease or decay — these may need to be treated before implant placement can be considered. Your dentist will explain any preliminary steps and why they are important.

Step 3: Imaging and Diagnostic Scans

To plan implant treatment accurately, your dental team needs a detailed understanding of the bone and anatomy beneath the gum line. This is typically achieved through diagnostic imaging.

What Types of Imaging May Be Used?

• Dental X-rays — standard radiographs that provide a two-dimensional view of your teeth, roots and bone levels
• CBCT scans (3D imaging) — cone beam computed tomography provides a three-dimensional view of the jawbone, allowing precise assessment of bone volume, density and the position of nerves, sinuses and other anatomical structures
• Intraoral photographs — clinical photographs may be taken to document your current oral condition and support treatment planning

Not all imaging is required at every consultation. Your dentist will determine which scans are appropriate based on your individual case. CBCT scans, where needed, provide a level of detail that supports more accurate implant positioning and reduces the risk of complications.

Step 4: Assessing Implant Suitability

Based on the information gathered from your medical history, clinical examination and imaging, your dentist will assess whether dental implants may be a suitable option for you.

Key Factors Considered

• Bone support — whether there is sufficient bone volume and density to support an implant, or whether bone grafting may be needed
• Space and alignment — whether there is adequate space for both the implant and the restoration, and how the implant will relate to neighbouring teeth
• Medical considerations — whether any health conditions or medications may affect treatment planning, healing or long-term success
• Oral health status — whether any existing conditions need to be addressed before implant treatment can proceed

It is important to understand that not every patient will be suitable for implant treatment, and suitability cannot be confirmed until a full assessment has been completed. If implants are not appropriate for your situation, your dentist will explain the reasons and discuss alternative options.

Step 5: Discussing Treatment Options

If the assessment suggests that implant treatment may be suitable, your dentist will discuss the options available to you. This is a collaborative conversation, not a one-way recommendation.

What Might Be Discussed?

• Number of implants — whether a single implant, multiple implants or a full-arch solution is most appropriate for your needs
• Treatment alternatives — other options such as bridges or dentures may be discussed where relevant, so you can compare and make an informed choice
• Phased treatment planning — in some cases, treatment may be planned in stages, particularly if preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or gum treatment are needed first
• Material options — the type of implant and restoration material may be discussed based on your clinical needs and preferences

Your dental team should welcome your questions at this stage. Understanding your options fully is an important part of making a decision that feels right for you.

Step 6: Explaining the Procedure and Healing Process

Your dentist will provide a clear explanation of what the implant procedure involves, so you know what to expect if you choose to proceed.

What Will Be Explained?

• Implant placement — an overview of how the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic
• Healing stages — the process of osseointegration (bone fusion), which typically takes several weeks to months depending on individual healing
• Temporary restorations — whether a temporary tooth or denture will be provided during the healing period
• Final restoration — how and when the permanent crown, bridge or denture will be fitted
• Maintenance expectations — the ongoing care required to support the long-term health of your implant, including oral hygiene and regular dental reviews

Timelines for healing and treatment completion vary between patients and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Your dentist will provide an estimated timeline based on your individual case, but flexibility should be expected as healing is a biological process that differs from person to person.

Step 7: Transparent Cost Discussion

A clear understanding of costs is an essential part of treatment planning. During your consultation, the financial aspects of your proposed treatment should be discussed openly and transparently.

What to Expect

• Written treatment plan — a detailed document outlining the proposed treatment stages, timeline and costs
• What is included — clarity on which elements are covered in the quoted price, such as the implant, abutment, restoration and follow-up reviews
• Additional costs — any preparatory procedures (such as bone grafting or extractions) that are not included in the main quotation
• Finance options — if available, information about spreading the cost through monthly payments (subject to status and lender approval)

You should never feel pressured to commit to treatment at the consultation stage. A written quotation allows you to review the costs at home and make a decision in your own time. For more detail on pricing, visit our page on cost of dental implants London.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Consultation Take?

The length of a dental implant consultation can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the assessments required. As a general guide:

• Typical duration — most implant consultations last between 30 and 60 minutes, though some may be longer if detailed imaging or complex discussion is needed
• Follow-up appointments — in some cases, a second appointment may be needed to review scan results, finalise the treatment plan or carry out additional assessments

Your dental team will let you know at the time of booking approximately how long to allow for your appointment. It is always better to allow sufficient time so that the consultation is thorough and unhurried.

What Should You Bring to Your Consultation?

Being prepared for your consultation helps ensure that the appointment is as productive as possible. Here are some things you may wish to bring or have ready:

• A list of your current medications — including dosages and how long you have been taking them
• Details of any medical conditions — particularly those that may affect healing or bone health
• Previous dental records or X-rays — if you have recent imaging from another practice, bringing it along may save time and avoid duplicate scans
• A list of questions or concerns — writing down anything you want to ask ensures you do not forget during the appointment
• Details of your GP or medical consultant — in case your dental team needs to liaise with your healthcare providers

If you do not have all of this information to hand, do not worry — your dental team can work with what is available and follow up on anything else that is needed.

Dental Implant Consultations in London

At our CQC-registered practice in South Kensington, we approach every implant consultation with care, thoroughness and transparency. We understand that considering dental implants is a significant decision, and we believe you deserve all the information you need to make that decision confidently.

Our consultations are patient-led. We listen to your concerns, assess your situation carefully and explain your options clearly — without pressure or obligation. If implant treatment is suitable for you, we provide a detailed written treatment plan with transparent pricing. If it is not, we explain why and discuss alternatives that may help.

We welcome patients at all stages of their decision-making process — whether you are just beginning to explore the idea of implants or are ready to proceed with a plan. Our team is here to support you with honest, professional guidance every step of the way.

If you would like to find out more about what an implant consultation involves, or if you are ready to take the first step, please book a consultation in London. Our experienced team will be happy to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

This article provides general information about what typically happens during a dental implant consultation. Individual consultations may vary depending on clinical findings, medical history and treatment complexity. Suitability for implant treatment cannot be confirmed until a full assessment has been completed. This content is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please consult your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.