Before Your Appointment
There’s very little you need to do to prepare for an implant consultation. It helps to arrive with a few things in mind:
- A list of any medications and supplements you take
- Your dental and medical history, including past surgeries or conditions
- Any questions or concerns you’ve been wanting to ask
- A sense of your goals — whether that’s replacing one tooth, several, or an entire arch
If you have dental insurance, bring your information so our team can help review your benefits. Otherwise, just come as you are — the consultation is a conversation, not a procedure.
Step 1: Getting to Know You and Your Goals
Every implant plan begins with understanding what you want to achieve. Dr. Paul Connolly will ask about your concerns, what’s been bothering you, how long you’ve been dealing with the issue, and what your ideal outcome looks like.
This part matters more than most patients expect. Whether your priority is chewing comfortably again, restoring your confidence to smile, avoiding removable dentures, or simply solving a long-standing problem, your goals shape the entire treatment plan.
Step 2: A Comprehensive Exam
Next comes a thorough evaluation of your mouth. Dr. Connolly examines your remaining teeth, gums, bite, and the specific area (or areas) where teeth are missing or failing. This helps identify anything that needs to be addressed before or alongside implant placement, such as gum health or a failing existing restoration.
As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Connolly evaluates your entire dental system — not just the gap — because how your new teeth fit into your overall bite is essential to long-term success.
Step 3: 3D Imaging and Digital Scans
One of the most valuable parts of the consultation is advanced imaging. In most cases, you’ll receive a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan — a quick, painless 3D X-ray that shows your jawbone, nerves, and sinuses in complete detail.
This imaging answers critical questions that can’t be seen with the eye or a standard X-ray:
- Do you have enough bone to support an implant?
- Where are the nerves and sinuses that must be avoided?
- Would you benefit from bone grafting first?
- What’s the ideal position for each implant?
Dr. Connolly may also use RayFace 3D facial scanning to plan how your new teeth will align with your facial proportions and smile — ensuring a natural-looking result.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Options Together
Once Dr. Connolly has examined your mouth and reviewed your scans — often on the same day — he’ll walk you through your options in plain language. Depending on your situation, this may include:
He’ll explain the pros and cons of each approach as they apply to your specific case, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Step 5: Timeline, Cost, and Next Steps
Before you leave, you’ll have a clear understanding of what treatment would involve. This includes a realistic timeline (most implant treatment takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish), a transparent and itemized cost estimate, and a discussion of financing and insurance options.
At Bedford Center for Prosthodontics, we believe in transparent pricing — you’ll receive a specific estimate for your case rather than a vague range. Our team will also review your insurance benefits and walk through payment options if you’d like to spread the investment over time.
Will Anything Happen to My Teeth at the Consultation?
No. The consultation is an evaluation and planning visit — no implant placement or dental work happens at this appointment. This is your opportunity to get answers, understand your options, and decide whether to move forward, all with zero obligation. If you do choose to proceed, treatment is scheduled for a future visit.
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