Dec 4, 2025
Emergency Implant Consultation: What to Expect
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
Walking into a dental office for a routine checkup is one thing; walking in for an emergency consultation regarding a lost or failing tooth is entirely different. You are likely in pain, worried about your appearance, and stressed about the unknown.
At Smyrna Dental Studio, we understand that an emergency visit is a high-stakes moment for you. We want to remove the fear of the unknown. This guide will walk you through exactly what happens during an emergency consultation for dental implants, so you can feel prepared, informed, and confident that you are in the right hands.
Step 1: Triage and Pain Management
When you arrive for an emergency, you skip the line. Our first priority is your physical comfort. We will assess your pain level and, if necessary, administer local anesthesia to numb the area immediately. We want you to be comfortable enough to discuss your options clearly.
Step 2: The High-Tech Diagnosis (3D Scan)
Unlike a standard checkup that uses 2D X-rays, an implant consultation requires a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan.
Why it’s crucial: This advanced scan gives us a detailed, three-dimensional map of your jawbone, nerves, and sinuses.
What it tells us: It instantly answers the big question: "Do you have enough healthy bone to support an implant right now?" Without this scan, placing an emergency implant would be guessing, which we never do.
Step 3: The "Go or No-Go" Decision
Based on the scan, Dr. Thobhani will present you with your treatment paths:
Path A: Immediate Placement. If your bone is strong and there is no severe infection, we can proceed with extracting the tooth (if needed) and placing the implant on the same visit.
Path B: Delayed Placement. If there is a large abscess or significant bone loss, the safest path is to clean the site, place a bone graft, and let it heal for a few months before placing the implant.
Step 4: The Temporary Solution
Regardless of which path is chosen, we address the aesthetics. We will discuss your options for a temporary tooth (like a flipper, temporary bridge, or immediate crown) so that you can leave the office with a complete smile while the deeper healing takes place.
FAQs: Your Consultation Questions
Will I have surgery on the same day as the consultation?
In many emergency cases, yes. If you are a candidate for an immediate implant or need an extraction and bone graft, we are prepared to perform the procedure right then and there to save you a second trip and get you on the road to recovery faster.
How much does the emergency consultation cost?
There is a fee for the emergency exam and the 3D scan. However, if you proceed with treatment, we often package these costs into your total treatment plan. We will give you a clear printout of all fees before we start any work.
Can I drive myself home?
If we only use local anesthesia (numbing), you can drive yourself. However, if you are anxious and choose sedation dentistry for your procedure, you must have a responsible adult waiting to drive you home.
What if I decide I don't want an implant right now?
That is completely fine. Our goal is to inform you of your best options. If you aren't ready for an implant, we can still treat the emergency (extract the tooth or treat the infection) and provide a temporary solution or a different option like a dental bridge.
A Plan for Your Smile, Not Just a Quick Fix
An emergency consultation is more than just fixing a problem today; it's about setting the stage for a permanent solution for tomorrow. By combining advanced diagnostics with expert planning, we ensure that even in an emergency, your smile gets the highest standard of care.
If you have a dental emergency in Smyrna, don't guess about the outcome. Contact Smyrna Dental Studio immediately for a comprehensive evaluation.
