Booking a dental implant consultation can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what the appointment actually involves. Here is what a visit with [PJ] dentist Dr. Jerry Yang typically looks like, from the first exam to walking out with a plan.
A Thorough, Unhurried Exam
Most consultations run about 30 minutes. Dr. Jerry starts by discussing your needs and goals, then performs a full examination and takes X-rays. A three-dimensional X-ray of the jaw is part of the standard process (a flat, two-dimensional image simply is not enough to plan an implant safely).
The 3D scan gives him a complete view of the jawbone so the implant can be placed in the ideal spot. If the missing tooth is near the front of your smile, he may also take photos to help plan how the final result will look.
Reviewing Your Options Together
Once the exam is complete, he walks through the pros and cons of an implant compared to alternatives like a bridge or denture. This is the point where bone health, budget, and lifestyle all come into the conversation, since every patient’s situation is a little different.
Do You Leave With a Plan That Day?
Sometimes. If a patient wants time to think it over or talk with family first, that is completely fine. But if the X-rays look good and a patient is ready to move forward, the implant procedure itself only takes about an hour, and it can often be done the very same day as the consultation.
What Patients Usually Want to Know
The most common question by far is simple: am I even a candidate for an implant? After that, patients typically ask how long an implant will last, how to take care of it, and what it will cost. Determining candidacy involves more than one factor. Dr. Jerry evaluates soft tissue health, bone volume, and the exact location of the implant site before recommending a path forward.
From my viewpoint, as far as what I need to do, I need to evaluate their soft tissue, I need to evaluate their bone, and then also the location of the implant. Those are all things I have to look at in order to determine what we need to do for the patient to have the best outcome.
Is the Consultation Free?
No, there is a charge for the visit. If you have dental insurance, our office bills it for the exam. Patients without insurance can ask about our in-office savings plan, which may reduce the cost of the visit and future treatment.
Get Clear Answers, Not Guesswork
Ready to find out if an implant is right for you? A consultation with Dr. Jerry gives you clear answers, not guesswork.