Before you commit to an implant provider, ask these questions.

Is my implant guided and planned digitally? The best outcomes come from planning done before surgery, using digital imaging to determine exactly where the implant should go based on your bite and the position of the final tooth. If a provider is placing implants freehand, based on wherever they find a convenient bone, ask why.

What brand of implant are you using, and does it come with a warranty? Off-brand implants exist, and they don't always come with the research, track record, or manufacturer guarantee that name-brand implants do. You're entitled to know exactly what's going into your body.

How long should I expect this to last? Any answer that includes the word "forever" isn't accurate. Research puts the average implant lifespan at 15 to 20 years. A provider who gives you the honest range, along with a real plan for maintenance, is being straight with you.

What happens if the ideal bone isn't there? You should be offered real options, not just told what's happening to you. Ask what grafting would involve versus adjusting the plan, and ask what the tradeoffs of each are for your specific case.

How long will the actual surgery take? A well-planned, guided implant surgery is typically quick, often 30 to 40 minutes. If a provider can't give you a reasonably confident estimate, that may be a sign the planning hasn't been done as thoroughly as it should be.