Bring the missing-tooth question before choosing an implant path

It depends on what the clinical findings show, what any records add and whether more detailed planning is needed, alongside your general health. Your dentist needs to assess these together before advising what may be reasonable.

• Smoking, diabetes, some medicines and how you have healed before can change how treatment is planned.
• Some people need preparatory care, such as gum treatment, grafting or an extraction, before implants can be considered.
• The consultation is where these factors are checked, so you do not need to know the answers beforehand.

If implants are not suitable, your dentist can explain alternatives such as bridges, dentures, staged care, monitoring, referral or no immediate replacement.

A CBCT scan may be recommended when three-dimensional imaging would add useful planning information. It is not automatically needed for every patient.

• Imaging can help assess bone shape, nearby structures and treatment planning questions.
• If a scan is recommended, your dentist should explain why it is useful in your case.
• Ask about the fee and what it includes before the scan is taken.

The scan supports assessment and planning. It does not by itself confirm that treatment will proceed.

Reception can explain what is known about the appointment length and which records or scans may be involved. The first appointment is an assessment.

• You can ask which records are needed, whether preparatory care is required and whether another planning visit is needed.
• Placement, healing and attaching the tooth belong to later treatment stages. The single implants, multiple implants, implant-supported dentures and All-on-4 pages cover each treatment in more detail.
• Booking a consultation is not a commitment to treatment.

Call reception if you want to check what is known about the appointment before you book.

Fees depend on the treatment plan. The number of teeth, records, imaging, written planning and any later treatment stages can all affect cost.

• Records, surgical stages, restorative stages, materials and review appointments may be itemised separately.
• Additional care such as extractions, grafting, gum treatment or temporary teeth may change the fee.
• Health fund rebates and payment-option eligibility depend on your policy and provider terms.

The team can explain fees and likely out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

HBF and nib preferred-provider arrangements may apply at the clinic you attend. HCF preferred-provider arrangements may apply at Forrestfield only.

• A rebate depends on your policy, waiting periods, annual limits and the item numbers for the consultation or later care.
• Payment-option eligibility or approval, fees, limits and terms are determined by the provider or relevant program.
• A rebate or payment option may still leave out-of-pocket costs, including for records or later treatment stages.

Before treatment, ask the clinic for likely fees and item numbers, confirm rebate details with your fund, and check payment terms with the provider.

Useful questions are the ones that help you understand risk, timing, cost and alternatives before deciding.

• Ask what needs to be checked before suitability can be discussed.
• Ask whether bridges, dentures, staged care or no immediate replacement are realistic alternatives.
• Ask what fees are confirmed and what may depend on further records or healing.

You can take notes and ask for time to consider the plan.

Yes. Bring existing records if you have them, but your dentist may still need updated imaging depending on what must be assessed.

• Older X-rays may not show current bone, gum or tooth changes.
• CBCT imaging may be discussed if three-dimensional information is needed.
• The team can explain whether existing records are useful.

Call reception if you want to check how to send or bring records before the appointment.

Sometimes a broad direction can be discussed at the first visit, but a detailed plan may need records or further assessment.

• Complex cases often need imaging, review and staged planning.
• Fees may depend on whether preparatory care is needed.
• A written plan should make stages, inclusions and possible additional costs clearer.

Ask what can be confirmed on the day and what needs another step.

Reception can explain what is known about the appointment fee and which records or scans may involve separate costs.

• Ask whether X-rays, CBCT imaging, digital scans or photos are included or quoted separately.
• Ask when an itemised treatment estimate can be provided.
• Treatment suitability and possible extra costs still depend on assessment.

You can ask these questions before you book or at the consultation.

The next step depends on what has been found and whether implant planning remains appropriate.

• You may need records, gum care, extraction planning, referral or a written plan.
• You may decide to compare alternatives before proceeding.
• If treatment is not suitable, another replacement option may be discussed.

You stay in control of whether and when to continue.