Before-you-agree dental implant checklist

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The dentist and clinic

• Note the dentist's full name and State Dental Council registration number, and check it on the council's or the National Dental Commission's register
• Ask who will place the implant and who will make and fit the crown, if they are different people
• Check whether the clinic is registered under the Clinical Establishments Act or the state's equivalent law, where your state requires it

The estimate

• Get an itemised written estimate: implant fixture, abutment, crown, surgery, scans, extractions, grafting, temporary teeth and review visits
• Ask which implant system and crown material are quoted, and whether the price changes if they change
• Ask what is not included and what a bone graft or sinus lift would add if it turns out to be needed
• Ask whether the quoted amount includes GST on any taxable items and whether you will get an itemised bill

Payment and cover

• Check your health policy wording, CGHS or ESIC entitlement before assuming anything is covered
• If paying by EMI, read the loan agreement for interest, processing fee and what happens if treatment stops midway
• Agree in writing how much is paid at each stage and what is refunded if a later stage is not done

After treatment

• Ask for the implant system details, batch or lot information and your treatment records
• Ask what follow-up, warranty or remake policy the clinic offers, in writing, and what it excludes
• Keep all bills, receipts, X-ray reports and messages in one folder in case you need them for a claim or complaint