General patient information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Written by Dental Match; not clinically reviewed. A dentist needs to assess your individual situation.
You can attend a consultation without knowing whether an implant is right for you. Use the appointment to understand the dentist’s assessment, the alternatives and the proposed costs. This checklist gives you a way to keep track of the explanation. It is not a list of treatments you need.
Open the printable consultation checklist →
Before you book
Ask the clinic what the first appointment includes and what it costs. Confirm whether any scans or additional appointments would be charged separately. If you feel anxious or need to work around travel, employment or caring responsibilities, raise that before choosing a time.
Write down your main question in one sentence. For example: “I want to understand my options for one missing tooth” or “I want to compare the full plan before making a financial decision.”
Understanding the assessment
Ask these questions during the consultation:
- What have you found, and what does that mean for my options?
- What other information do you need before recommending treatment?
- What are the alternatives to an implant in my situation?
- What are the particular benefits and risks for me?
- What would happen if I waited or chose another option?
The TGA’s implant question guide gives a useful framework for discussing alternatives, risks, device information and what happens if a problem develops.
Understanding the proposed plan
Ask the dentist to describe the plan in parts: what is being placed, what replacement tooth or teeth it supports, and the appointments involved. healthdirect explains the basic implant procedure; your own sequence and timing need to come from the clinic.
Ask who will carry out each part of the treatment and who your contact person will be. If more than one practitioner or location is involved, ask how the appointments and records are coordinated.
Checking the full quote
Request an itemised written quote and mark anything you do not understand. Ask whether it includes:
- the consultation, planning and proposed imaging;
- the implant placement and replacement tooth or teeth;
- any other proposed procedures;
- temporary teeth, where relevant;
- follow-up appointments and ongoing maintenance.
Ask the clinic to explain what might change after further assessment, how it would tell you about a change and whether the cost could change too. Our dental implant costs page explains more questions to ask about a quote.
Before making your decision
Keep a copy of the treatment plan and quote. Ask who to contact with follow-up questions and what the next step would be if you decided to proceed. You can ask for time to consider the information or seek another opinion.
For payment questions, check the actual provider’s terms. If you are considering early access to super, read our guide to the rules and financial questions before treating it as available funding.
Where Dental Match fits
Dental Match helps clarify your enquiry and arrange a conversation with a participating clinic. Our service is free for patients; the clinic confirms its appointment and treatment fees. Ask our team a question or start a free enquiry if you would like help arranging that conversation.
Sources and further reading
Rules and guidance can change. Check the linked source before relying on information for a decision.