Questions You Should Ask Before Implants
30 concrete questions in 6 categories — with explanation of why each question matters, warning signs, and a checklist for your initial consultation.
Contents of this guide
What is this about?
Implant treatment is one of the most complex and costly dental procedures. Patients who go into their initial consultation well-informed make better decisions, recognize warning signs earlier, and are more satisfied with the results in the long term.
This page gives you 30 concrete questions in 6 categories — with explanations of why each question matters. No question is inappropriate. A reputable provider will gladly and thoroughly answer all of them.
Who is this particularly relevant for?
Before your initial consultation
If you want to prepare for your first consultation and don't know what to ask.
If you're uncertain after a consultation
If after an initial consultation you feel you didn't get all important information.
Before seeking a second opinion
If you want to get a second opinion and need to know what questions to ask the second provider.
With high costs
If you received a cost estimate and want to understand whether it is complete and appropriate.
Why good questions are important
Better decisions
Informed patients choose the treatment that suits them — not the one that's easiest to sell.
Spot warning signs early
Those who ask the right questions recognize unreliable providers before signing anything.
Higher satisfaction
Studies show: patients who actively participate in the decision-making process are more satisfied in the long term.
The 30 most important questions in 6 categories
Diagnostics & Planning
1.Was a CBCT (3D X-ray) performed?+
Why it matters: Without 3D imaging, precise implant planning is not possible. Standard X-rays only show 2D.
2.How much bone is available, and is it sufficient?+
Why it matters: Bone volume and quality determine whether an implant can be placed immediately or only after bone augmentation.
3.Is bone augmentation necessary, and if so, which method?+
Why it matters: Bone augmentation extends treatment by 3–6 months and significantly increases costs.
4.Which implant system do you use, and why?+
Why it matters: Established systems (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Dentsply) have better long-term data than no-name products.
5.Is immediate implant placement possible, or why not?+
Why it matters: Immediate implants save time, but are only possible under certain conditions.
Qualification & Experience
1.What training do you have in implantology?+
Why it matters: Implantology is a specialized discipline. Specialist degree in oral surgery or documented continuing education is a quality indicator.
2.How many implants have you placed so far?+
Why it matters: From approximately 100 implants, a provider is considered experienced. Below 50 warrants caution.
3.Do you perform the surgery yourself?+
Why it matters: Some practices delegate the surgical phase to external specialists – this should be communicated transparently.
4.Can you show reference cases or before-and-after documentation?+
Why it matters: Reputable providers document their results and can show examples upon request.
5.Are you a member of a professional society (DGI, ÖGI, EAO)?+
Why it matters: Membership in professional societies demonstrates commitment to continuing education and quality standards.
Costs & Financing
1.What are the total costs including crown and abutment?+
Why it matters: Many practices only quote the implant price. Crown, abutment, and follow-up care can cost 50–100% extra.
2.What is included in the treatment plan and cost estimate?+
Why it matters: The estimate must list all positions. Request it in writing before agreeing.
3.Does health insurance cover part of the costs?+
Why it matters: Implants and fixed dental prosthetics are generally private services in Austria. In rare cases, depending on the insurance provider, an individual subsidy may be granted – inquire with your insurance beforehand.
4.Are payment plan options available?+
Why it matters: Reputable practices offer transparent financing options without pressure for immediate decisions.
5.What does a second opinion cost at your practice?+
Why it matters: Reputable providers welcome second opinions and do not charge excessive fees for them.
Treatment Course & Timeline
1.How long does the entire treatment from start to crown placement take?+
Why it matters: Typical: 3–6 months without bone augmentation, 8–14 months with bone augmentation. Deviations should be explained.
2.How many appointments are planned in total?+
Why it matters: Transparency about the number of appointments helps with personal planning.
3.Which anesthesia option is used?+
Why it matters: Local, twilight sleep, or general anesthesia – each option has pros and cons that should be explained.
4.What happens if the implant does not heal (failure)?+
Why it matters: A reputable provider explains the procedure in case of failure and whether costs are refunded.
5.When can I eat normally after surgery?+
Why it matters: Soft food for 2–4 weeks is standard. Deviations should be explained.
Follow-up & Warranty
1.What warranty do you provide on the implant and crown?+
Why it matters: Established implant systems offer manufacturer warranty. Practice warranties on workmanship vary greatly.
2.How often are follow-up appointments after implant placement?+
Why it matters: Regular follow-up appointments (every 6 months) are crucial for long-term success.
3.What must I do to care for my implant?+
Why it matters: Implant care differs from regular tooth care. Interdental space cleaning is particularly important.
4.What risks exist specifically for me?+
Why it matters: Individual risk factors (smoking, diabetes, medications) must be explicitly discussed.
5.What are signs of complications, and how should I react?+
Why it matters: Patients must know when to contact their provider immediately (swelling, pain, loosening).
Materials & Technique
1.Titanium or zirconia – what do you recommend for me and why?+
Why it matters: Material choice depends on bone availability, aesthetics, biotype, and budget. No one-size-fits-all answer is reputable.
2.Which crown type is used (ceramic, zirconia, metal-ceramic)?+
Why it matters: All-ceramic or zirconia is aesthetically superior but more expensive. Metal-ceramic is cheaper but visible.
3.Is digital planning (CBCT, surgical guide) used?+
Why it matters: Digital planning increases precision and significantly reduces complication risks.
4.Is immediate restoration (provisional crown on day of surgery) possible?+
Why it matters: Immediate restoration is aesthetically advantageous but not always medically appropriate.
5.How does radiation exposure from CBCT compare to conventional X-rays?+
Why it matters: CBCT has approximately 5–10x more radiation than single tooth X-rays, but 10x less than CT. Transparency is important.
Recognize warning signs
These signs should raise your attention — and if in doubt, get a second opinion:
No CBCT before planning
Without 3D imaging, precise planning is not possible. Stay away.
Pressure to make an immediate decision
Reputable providers give time to think. Time pressure is a sales tactic.
Unclear or verbal cost estimates
Everything must be in writing in the treatment plan. Verbal promises are not binding.
No explanation of risks
Risk disclosure is legally required. If missing, it is a warning sign.
Significantly cheaper prices than usual
Implants under €800 are usually a sign of inferior quality or hidden costs.
No membership in professional societies
Not mandatory, but an indicator of limited engagement in the specialty.
What should you clarify beforehand?
Your medical history
Compile your medication list, pre-existing conditions (diabetes, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders).
Existing X-rays
Bring current X-rays (not older than 6 months) or request them from your previous dentist.
Insurance details
Check if your private supplemental insurance covers implants partially — before the consultation, not after.
Time availability
Treatment takes 3–14 months. Plan vacation and work commitments in advance.
Set your budget
Establish a realistic budget before the consultation — don't decide under pressure afterwards.
Bring a companion
For complex consultations, bring a trusted person who can take notes and ask questions.
If you're uncertain after the consultation
Get a second opinion
For costs over €3,000 or if you're uncertain, a second opinion is always recommended. Reputable providers explicitly welcome this.
Take time to think
You don't need to decide immediately. Ask for a copy of the treatment plan and take at least a week to consider.
Request written answers
Ask the provider to answer remaining questions in writing — via email or as a note in the treatment plan.
Contact the professional association
The Austrian Society for Implantology (ÖGI) can help you find a qualified provider near you.
Checklist: What should be clarified in advance?
Tap an item to check it off.
All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.
Clinical Partner
Consultation at Smile4Life
For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.
Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.