Your first dental implant consultation includes a complete examination of your oral health, imaging to assess bone structure, and a discussion of your treatment goals. During this appointment, your oral surgeon evaluates whether you’re a good candidate for implants, explains the procedure timeline, and answers your questions about the process. Most consultations take 30 to 60 minutes and give you everything you need to make an informed decision about moving forward.
At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, dental implant consultations are thorough and personalized to each patient’s needs. Dr. Douglas L. Johnson brings extensive training from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Florida, plus a fellowship in facial cosmetics and reconstruction. The AAAHC-accredited facility offers advanced care with a team of certified surgical assistants and a registered APRN to support your treatment.
Understanding the Consultation Appointment
The consultation starts with a conversation about your dental history and goals. Your surgeon needs to know why you’re considering implants, how long you’ve been missing teeth, and what you hope to achieve with treatment. This discussion helps create a plan that addresses your specific situation rather than offering a generic approach.
Your medical history plays an important role in treatment planning. Certain conditions like diabetes or medications like blood thinners can affect healing and implant success. Being honest about your health history allows your surgeon to identify potential concerns early and coordinate with your physician if needed.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
The physical examination gives your surgeon a detailed look at your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth. This hands-on assessment reveals the condition of your gum tissue, checks for signs of infection or disease, and evaluates the areas where implants will be placed. The examination provides information that imaging alone cannot capture.
Your surgeon also evaluates your bite and jaw alignment during this exam. How your teeth come together affects implant placement and the long-term success of your restoration. You may be asked to bite down, move your jaw from side to side, and open and close your mouth so the surgeon can assess function.
Advanced Imaging for Treatment Planning
Modern implant consultations rely on detailed imaging to visualize your jaw structure. Most appointments include 3D cone beam CT scans that provide a complete view of your bone density, nerve locations, and sinus cavities. These scans allow your surgeon to measure available bone, identify the precise location of nerves and blood vessels, and plan implant placement with accuracy.
Traditional X-rays may supplement the 3D imaging to show the overall health of your teeth and surrounding structures. While two-dimensional images don’t provide the same detail as a CT scan, they offer valuable information about your dental anatomy. Dental implants have a success rate of 95% when properly planned and placed, making thorough imaging essential.
Treatment Options and Necessary Procedures
Your surgeon explains which type of implants will work best for your situation. The treatment approach depends on how many teeth you’re missing and the condition of your jawbone. Some patients need just one implant to replace a single tooth, while others may need multiple implants to support bridges or dentures.
Additional procedures may be required before implant placement. Patients without enough bone density often need bone grafting to build up the jaw. Those needing implants in the upper jaw sometimes require a sinus lift to create adequate space. Your surgeon reviews these options during the consultation and explains how they affect your overall timeline.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Understanding the surgical process helps reduce anxiety about treatment. Your surgeon walks you through each step, from initial implant placement through final restoration. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, implant procedures are performed under IV sedation for patient comfort, allowing you to rest while your surgeon completes the precise work required.
The consultation covers several key aspects of your upcoming procedure:
- Recovery timeline: Your surgeon explains how long healing takes after implant placement and when you can return to normal activities. Most patients need a few days of rest before resuming work and regular routines.
- Post-operative care: You’ll receive detailed instructions about caring for the surgical site, managing discomfort, and watching for signs of complications. Following these guidelines closely improves healing and implant success.
- Follow-up appointments: Multiple visits are needed throughout the implant process. Your surgeon schedules these appointments in advance so you know exactly when to return for the next phase of treatment.
- Diet modifications: Temporary changes to your diet protect the surgical site during healing. Your surgeon provides a list of recommended foods and those to avoid in the days following surgery.
Understanding these elements before the procedure helps you prepare properly and know what to expect during recovery.
Financial Considerations and Insurance
The consultation includes a discussion about treatment costs and payment options. Your surgeon’s office provides a detailed breakdown of fees for each phase, from initial implant placement through final restoration. This transparency helps you plan financially for the investment.
Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for implants, particularly when tooth loss resulted from an accident or medical condition. St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center works with major providers including Delta Dental, Humana, and Cigna Dental, and files claims as a courtesy for all PPO dental plans. The staff reviews your benefits and explains what portion of treatment your insurance may cover.
Schedule Your Consultation at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center
A thorough consultation sets the foundation for successful dental implant treatment. Dr. Johnson and his team at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center provide comprehensive evaluations in an AAAHC-accredited facility equipped with advanced technology. With board certification from both the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, Dr. Johnson brings extensive training to every consultation.
The practice serves patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. If you’re ready to learn more about replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile with dental implants, contact the office to schedule your consultation.
