If you are thinking about dental implants in Folsom, the consultation is where it all begins — and knowing what happens there takes most of the mystery out of it. A good consultation is not a sales pitch: it is a careful, step-by-step evaluation where you learn whether implants are right for you, what your options are, and what the journey looks like before you commit to anything.
At Expert Dental Group in Roseville — a short drive from Folsom — consultations are done by Dr. Leila Nikpour, a prosthodontist with more than 15 years of dentistry experience and 2,500+ dental implants placed. As a prosthodontist in Folsom patients travel to see, she plans from the final result backward. Here is exactly what happens, step by step.
Step 1: Your Story and Health History
The consultation starts with a conversation: which teeth are missing or failing, how long the problem has existed, what bothers you most — chewing, appearance, discomfort — and what you hope implants will change.
You will also review your health history: medications, conditions like diabetes, smoking habits, and any past issues with healing or anesthesia — factors that can affect how implants heal. An accurate health picture lets your dentist plan safely and set realistic expectations.
Step 2: The Detailed Oral Exam
Next comes a hands-on examination of your mouth: the health of your gums, the condition of any remaining teeth, your bite alignment, and the amount of available space where implants would go. The dentist checks for gum disease, which needs to be treated before implants can succeed, and evaluates how your upper and lower teeth meet.
The exam also covers how each treatment option would affect your chewing, speech, and appearance long term. Read more about dental implant candidacy to understand what the exam is looking for.
Step 3: 3D CBCT Imaging — Seeing Everything Before We Begin
This is the step that separates modern implant planning from guesswork. A 3D CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan creates a detailed three-dimensional image of your jawbone, sinuses, and nerves. Expert Dental Group has this imaging in-house, so there is no separate referral appointment or long wait for results.
Step 4: The Candidacy Evaluation
With the exam and scan complete, your dentist can now answer the key question: are you a candidate for implants? The honest answer is that most adults are. The main requirements are healthy gums (or gums that can be made healthy) and enough bone to anchor the implant — and even low bone density is often fixable.
If the scan shows thin bone, the plan may include bone grafting to rebuild the foundation first — a routine step that adds time. If a medical factor needs attention first, you will hear that plainly, along with a clear path forward.
Step 5: Your Treatment Plan Options
Now the conversation turns to choices: a single implant and crown, an implant-supported bridge for several missing teeth, or a full-arch solution like All-on-4 for an entire arch — each with its own timeline, visits, and healing phases.
Because Dr. Nikpour designs the final restoration, the surgical plan is built from the smile you will end up with. You will see how each option compares on durability, appearance, maintenance, and overall investment — in plain language. For a broader view of the options, see our dental implants overview.
Understanding Cost Factors — and Your Free Consultation
Implant cost depends on real variables: how many implants are needed, whether bone grafting is required, the type of final restoration (crown, bridge, or full arch), and the complexity of your case. No responsible practice quotes a specific fee before evaluating your mouth.
What you do get is a clear written plan laying out the cost factors for your specific case — no surprises later. And the consultation itself is free: it costs you nothing to get answers, see your 3D scan, and understand your options.
Questions Worth Asking at Your Consultation
Bring questions — the best consultations are conversations. Consider asking: How many implants have you placed? What does my timeline look like from surgery to final teeth? Will I need bone grafting? What type of sedation is available? What happens if an implant does not integrate? What does long-term maintenance involve?
Also ask about the practice: in-house 3D imaging, the dentist’s implant training (Dr. Nikpour completed a one-year implantology fellowship in France), and how follow-up care works.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
A little preparation makes the visit smoother. Bring a list of your medications and medical conditions, any recent dental X-rays or records, your dental insurance information, and your list of questions. If you currently wear dentures or a partial, bring them — seeing how your current teeth function helps with planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my first dental implant consultation?
A thorough implant consultation includes a conversation about your goals and health history, a detailed oral exam, a 3D CBCT scan, a candidacy evaluation, and a written treatment plan with your options — including cost factors and timelines.
How long does a dental implant consultation take?
Most consultations take about an hour, including the exam and 3D CBCT scan. Complex cases involving full-arch restoration may run a bit longer because more options need to be discussed.
Do I need to bring anything to my implant consultation?
Bring a list of your medications and medical conditions, recent dental X-rays, your dental insurance information, and your list of questions. If you wear dentures or a partial, bring those too.
Will I find out the cost of dental implants at the consultation?
Yes. After the exam and scan, you receive a clear written treatment plan that outlines cost factors for your specific case — number of implants, bone grafting if needed, and the type of restoration. No specific fee is ever stated as fact before your case is evaluated.
What if I am not a candidate for dental implants?
Most people are candidates, and many barriers like low bone density can be solved with bone grafting. If implants truly are not right for you, a prosthodontist can explain the alternatives — such as implant-supported dentures or high-quality bridges — and help you choose confidently.
Book Your Free Implant Consultation Today
The hardest part of getting dental implants is often just making the first appointment. Call Expert Dental Group at (916) 888-1646 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Leila Nikpour. We are located at 5070 Foothills Blvd, Suite 2, Roseville, CA 95747 — convenient for Folsom patients — and open Monday through Friday 9–6 and Saturday 9–1. Come see your 3D scan, get your questions answered, and leave with a plan you understand. Your new smile starts with one visit.