people beautiful smile with coffee, North Peace Dental and Implant Centre, Fort St John, BC, Canada

The Dental Implant Journey: Before the Implant Surgery

Initial Implant Consult

Assess patient suitability and medical health

The first step in receiving implant treatment is the initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Guessy will assess the patient's suitability for implants and discuss their dental needs. She will review all available treatment options, including dental bridges and partial dentures, if applicable. If the patient is deemed suitable for implant treatment, clinical photos, CBCT scan, and digital impressions will be taken for digital treatment planning. Additionally, the patient’s medical history will be reviewed, and in case of any complicated medical conditions, a letter from their family doctor may be required prior to the implant surgery.

Initial Implant Consult_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada

Implant Treatment Plan Review

Digital treatment planning ensures precision in personalized treatment

Once the digital treatment plan is completed, the patient will be invited to a second appointment: the treatment plan review. Dr. Guessy will present the implant treatment plan, detailing the implant's position, the final crown’s placement, and the bone's volume and density. This comprehensive plan helps identify potential technical challenges, such as inadequate bone volume, bone density issues or inadequate soft tissue. We discuss the need for additional procedures required, such as bone grafts, sinus lifts, or soft tissue grafts, alongside the implant treatment. We also review critical design factors for the final crown to ensure it fits seamlessly with the patient’s bite and aesthetic goals. This pre-planning allows us to address these challenges and ensure a smooth, effective procedure. We make sure patients are fully informed about what to expect throughout their personalized implant treatment experience, from initial placement to final restoration.

Implant Treatment Review_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC

Oral Sedation and Post-Op Care

Plan support ahead for the surgery day

Prior to the implant surgery, Dr. Guessy or a treatment coordinator will review the surgical process and post-surgical care guide with the patient and discuss whether oral sedation would be appropriate. Oral sedation, also known as sleep dentistry, is an excellent choice for patients who feel nervous about the procedure and need help to ease their anxiety. During oral sedation, a small pill is given an hour before the procedure to induce a mild state of sedation, creating a more comfortable and calm experience. Patients may need to arrange for home care or emotional support for the 2-3 days following surgery, especially if they choose to use oral sedation. See our website for more information about oral sedation and sleep dentistry.

Oral Sedation and Post Op Care_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada

Financial Policy and Arrangement

Money matters; we aim to make everything clear along the process

During the treatment plan review session, patients will receive a detailed breakdown of each treatment stage, including timeline and a cost estimate. We are happy to submit this estimate to the patient’s insurance for pre-authorization before booking the treatment as per patient’s request. Since pre-authorizations often must be sent by mail, it may take 4-6 weeks to receive the approval letter, which will usually be communicated to the patient (unfortunately insurance companies are not always willing to communicate with the dental office). Therefore, we advise patients to monitor their mail or email for updates from their insurance company. Some patients may choose to book treatment before receiving an insurance approval, in which case they will be responsible for any uncovered costs. For implant procedures, a deposit of $800 is required to secure the surgical spot and will be applied to the treatment fee. Full payment is required at the appointment when treatment services are rendered.

Financial Policy and Arrangement for Dental Implant Treatment_North Peace Dental and Implant Centre_Fort St John, BC, Canada