Dental implant consultation: what the assessment involves
The assessment is where every implant decision is made. Here is what usually happens, what a written treatment plan should contain, and what to take with you.
Start with your own dentist
If you have a dentist who knows your mouth and your history, start there. They can examine you, discuss whether implant treatment is worth considering, and, if they do not place implants themselves, refer you to a colleague who does. Your records and X-rays from that dentist will also help any practitioner who assesses you later.
If you do not have a regular dentist, you can contact a practice directly. You can check any practitioner's registration on the HPCSA's public online register before you book. This website does not recommend, rank or book practitioners.
What usually happens at the assessment
Every practice runs its assessment differently, but most cover the same ground:
- Medical and dental history. Your general health, medication, allergies, smoking, and the history of the missing or failing teeth.
- Examination. The teeth, gums, bite, and the space to be filled.
- Imaging. X-rays and often a 3D cone-beam CT scan, which shows the bone, nerves and sinuses.
- Discussion of options. Including non-implant options, and what each would involve.
- A written treatment plan. Usually provided after the appointment, once the imaging has been reviewed.
What a written treatment plan should tell you
A clear plan makes it possible to understand the treatment and to compare quotes on the same basis. It is reasonable to expect it to set out:
- Each stage of treatment, in order, with an approximate timeline.
- Who will carry out each stage.
- Each item and its fee, including imaging, grafting, implants, abutments, temporary teeth, the final crown, bridge or denture, and sedation or theatre fees.
- Which procedure codes will be submitted to your medical aid, if you have one.
- What maintenance is needed afterwards.
- What happens, and who pays, if a stage has to be repeated or changed.
What to take with you
- A list of your current medication and any allergies.
- Your medical aid details, if you have one, and your plan name.
- Any recent X-rays or records from your own dentist.
- A written list of your questions.
- Someone to accompany you, if that helps you remember what was said.
Ask about the assessment itself
Practices charge for assessments and scans in different ways. When you book, ask what the assessment includes, whether a scan is done on the day or separately, and what it costs. We do not publish those fees. Our guide to what influences a dental implant quote in Johannesburg explains how to read the plan you are given.
What influences the cost
We do not publish prices. The practice that assesses you gives you a treatment plan and a quote for your case. These are the factors that usually make the difference:
- Whether the assessment fee includes imaging, or the scan is charged separately.
- The type of imaging needed: standard X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan.
- Whether a second appointment is needed to present the plan.
- Whether study models or digital scans are made at this stage.
- How your medical aid treats consultation and imaging codes.
Our guide to what influences a dental implant quote explains how to read an itemised plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a dentist about implants?
Not necessarily. You can contact a practice directly. Starting with your own dentist is still worthwhile, because they know your history and can refer you on if needed.
Will I get a quote at the first appointment?
Often the written plan and quote follow after the imaging has been reviewed. Ask the practice how they handle this when you book.
Can I get a second opinion?
Yes. You are entitled to take your plan and, with your consent, copies of your records to another practitioner for a second opinion.
Can this website book an assessment for me?
No. We do not book, recommend or rank practitioners, and we do not pass on your details. Contact your own dentist or a practice directly.