Getting a dental implant in Durham is a big step towards a confident, lasting smile. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, the journey always begins with the same important appointment: the Dental Implant Durham consultation. This is not a quick “look and book” visit – it is a friendly, thorough conversation where you and the dentist plan exactly what is right for you.
In Durham and across the North East, practices like Westmount Dental Surgery have made the Dental Implant Durham consultation relaxed, clear and genuinely helpful. Here is exactly what happens when you walk through the door.
1. Arrival and First Impressions
When you arrive for your Dental Implant Durham consultation, the team will welcome you like a guest, not a number. At Westmount Dental Surgery and many other good clinics in the area, reception staff smile, offer you a drink and make sure you feel at ease straight away. There is comfortable seating, magazines, and sometimes even a children’s corner if you bring the family.
You will be asked to fill in a simple medical history form if you haven’t already sent it online. This only takes a couple of minutes and helps the dentist understand your general health before you sit in the chair.
2. A Friendly Chat with the Dentist
The dentist (often the implant specialist) will invite you into the surgery for a proper chat before looking in your mouth. This is one of the nicest parts of the Dental Implant Durham consultation.
They will ask:
- Which tooth or teeth are missing?
- How long have they been missing?
- What problems are you having (trouble eating, feeling self-conscious, dentures moving)?
- What do you want your smile to look and feel like?
This is your chance to explain everything. Good Durham dentists listen carefully – they want to understand your worries and your hopes. Many patients say this conversation alone makes them feel much better because someone finally “gets it”.
3. A Gentle But Thorough Examination
Next, the dentist examines your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth. They check:
- How healthy your gums are
- How much bone you have where the implant will go
- The way you bite
- The condition of neighbouring teeth
They use a small mirror and a little probe – nothing painful. If you are nervous, just say; most clinics in Durham are brilliant with anxious patients and can arrange sedation for the actual treatment later if needed.
4. Digital X-rays and 3D Scans (Usually on the Same Day)
Almost every modern Dental Implant Durham consultation includes pictures of your jaw. These are quick, low-radiation digital X-rays and sometimes a 3D CBCT scan that shows the bone in amazing detail.
The dentist will show you the images on a big screen and explain exactly what they see. You will literally see why an implant will work well – or if a small bone graft is needed first. Patients love this part because everything becomes crystal clear.
5. Your Personalised Treatment Plan
After the examination and scans, the dentist sits with you (often with a cup of tea) and explains your options. They will tell you:
- How many implants you need
- Whether you can have a single tooth, a bridge, or a full arch (like All-on-4)
- How long the treatment will take
- What the steps are and when you can have your new teeth
They use simple words and diagrams. Nothing is rushed. If you need time to think, that’s absolutely fine.
6. Clear Costs and Payment Options
Good Dental Implant Durham consultations are always honest about money. You will receive a written treatment plan that shows the exact cost. Many practices in Durham, including Westmount Dental Surgery, offer 0% finance so you can spread the cost over 12–24 months with no extra charge. They will explain what (if anything) your insurance covers and how the payments work.
7. Plenty of Time for Your Questions
The best part of a proper Dental Implant Durham consultation is that you can ask anything. Common questions patients ask are:
- Will it hurt?
- How long do implants last?
- Can I eat steak/crunchy apples normally afterwards?
- What happens if I smoke?
- Can I have the tooth on the same day?
The dentist answers everything in plain English. They want you to leave feeling excited rather than confused.
8. Meeting the Team (Sometimes)
At places like Westmount Dental Surgery, you often get to meet the dental nurse or treatment coordinator who will look after you throughout the journey. Knowing the friendly faces who will support you makes a huge difference.
9. Leaving With a Clear Next Step
When the consultation ends (usually 45–90 minutes), you will know exactly:
- Whether you are suitable for dental implants
- How many appointments you will need
- Roughly how many months the process will take
- How much it will cost and how to pay
- When you can book the first treatment appointment (often the same week if you’re ready)
Many patients book their surgery slot there and then because they finally feel ready and confident.
Why Durham Patients Love Their Implant Consultations
People who have had their Dental Implant Durham consultation at trusted local practices say the same things:
- “I was terrified but they made me feel so calm.”
- “I could see everything on the screen – no guessing.”
- “They explained the finance so well; it’s actually affordable.”
- “I wish I’d done it years ago!”
Final Thoughts
A Dental Implant Durham consultation is not just an appointment – it’s the friendly, informative start of getting your smile and confidence back. The dentist’s job is to listen to you, examine you carefully, explain everything simply, and create a plan that fits your life and budget.
If you live in Durham, Wynyard, Sunderland, Gateshead, Middlesbrough or anywhere in the North East, booking your Dental Implant Durham consultation is the best decision you can make for your long-term oral health.
Call Westmount Dental Surgery on (0191) 567 2696 or book online today. The team are ready to welcome you and answer every question you have.
