If you are missing a tooth and thinking about a dental implant, the first step is a consultation. It is a planning visit, not a surgery visit. The dentist checks your mouth, takes images, talks with you about your options, and explains whether an implant is a good fit for you. Here is what usually happens, step by step, so you know what to expect before you come in.
Why the consultation matters
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone. Over time the bone heals around it, and later a crown, bridge or denture is attached on top. For that to work well, the implant needs healthy gums and enough bone in the right spot. It also needs to stay clear of nerves and, in the upper jaw, the sinus. The consultation is where the dentist checks all of this before anything is placed.
Not everyone is a good candidate right away. Some people need gum treatment first. Some need an extraction or a bone graft before an implant can go in. The consultation is how you find out.
Step 1: Your health history
Expect questions about your general health, the medicines you take, and any past dental work. Bring a list of your medicines, including vitamins and supplements. Tell the dentist about conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, or anything that affects healing. Smoking also matters, because it can slow healing around an implant.
None of this is meant to rule you out. It helps the dentist plan safely and decide whether anything should be done first.
Step 2: The exam
The dentist looks at the space where the tooth is missing, the teeth on either side, your gums, and the way your teeth come together when you bite. They check for signs of gum disease, decay, or grinding. Each of these can affect how an implant does over time.
Questions the dentist is trying to answer
- Are the gums healthy enough right now?
- Is there enough bone, and is it the right shape?
- How will a new tooth fit with your bite?
- Would another option, such as a bridge or a denture, suit you better?
Step 3: X-rays and a 3D scan
Regular dental X-rays show the teeth and some of the bone. For implant planning, the dentist may also take a 3D X-ray scan, called a cone beam CT (CBCT). It shows the height and width of the bone and where the nerve and sinus sit. This helps the dentist choose the right implant size and position.
The dentist only takes the images that are needed for your case. If you have questions about X-rays, ask. It is a normal question, and the team is happy to explain.
Step 4: Talking through your options
An implant is one way to replace a missing tooth. A bridge and a denture are others. Each has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your mouth, your health, and what matters most to you. A good consultation covers all of them, not just implants.
If an implant makes sense, the dentist explains the plan in plain language. That usually includes:
- How many implants are needed and where they would go.
- Whether you need anything first, such as gum care, a tooth extraction, or a bone graft.
- The general order of visits, from placement to the final tooth.
- How long healing usually takes. The bone needs time to heal around the implant, often a few months, and this varies from person to person.
You can read more about the treatment itself on our dental implants page.
Step 5: Cost estimate and next steps
Before you decide, you should get a written estimate. If you have dental insurance, the team can check your plan and will verify your benefits. Coverage for implants differs a lot between plans, so an estimate is the best guide. Take the estimate home and think it over. There is no need to decide on the spot.
How to get ready for your consultation
- Write down your questions before the visit.
- Bring a list of your medicines and any recent dental X-rays you have.
- Bring your insurance card, if you have one.
- Think about what matters most to you: how the tooth looks, how it feels when you chew, the timeline, or the cost.
Every mouth is different, so results and suitability vary. Only an exam can tell you what is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does the consultation hurt?
No. The consultation is an exam, a conversation, and usually some X-rays or a scan. Nothing is placed and no surgery is done at this visit. If you feel nervous about dental visits, tell the team when you book or when you arrive. They can walk you through each step before it happens so there are no surprises.
How long does an implant consultation take?
Plan for about an hour, but it can vary. Time depends on how many teeth are involved, whether images are needed, and how many questions you have. It is better to leave a little extra time so nothing feels rushed. You can always come back for a second conversation before you decide.
Will I get an implant on the same day?
Usually not. The first visit is for planning. Placement is scheduled for a later visit once the plan is set and anything needed first, such as gum care or an extraction, is done. Your dentist will explain the order of visits that fits your situation.
What if I don’t have enough bone?
Bone often shrinks after a tooth has been missing for a while. In many cases a bone graft can rebuild the area so an implant can be placed later. In other cases, a different tooth replacement option may suit you better. The scan and exam help the dentist decide which path makes sense.
Do I have to decide at the consultation?
No. You can take your plan and estimate home, talk with family, and call back with questions. A good decision is one you feel comfortable with. The team can also go over other options, such as a bridge or a denture, so you can compare them side by side.
Next step
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. To talk about your own situation, call Queens Crossing Dental at (718) 886-8199 or book online.
Reviewed by Dr. Kevin Yu, DDS on November 4, 2026.
Queens Crossing Dental – 136-20 38th Ave, Ste 6C, Flushing, NY 11354
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