Your implant doctor will evaluate:

1. The health of your gums and an overall oral cancer exam
2. The quantity and quality of the bone which is present where the teeth were previously extracted, or from where they will be extracted. The ridge where the teeth were previously extracted must have a minimal thickness of bone in order for an implant to have a high degree of success.
3. The health of any remaining teeth and if there is any gum disease present.

The x-ray examination will help determine:

1. If there is enough bone above the nerve which runs through the lower jaw - if you are needing to have lower implants placed.
2. If there is enough bone below the sinus cavity of the upper jaw - if you are needing implants placed in the back of the upper jaw.
3. How dense the bone is - this is only a rough approximation of the bone density. Actual bone density can't be accurately determined until the implant surgery is being done.

A projection should be made regarding:

1. What type of implant-supported tooth reconstruction do you desire.
2. Whether that type of reconstruction can be done with the bone that you have.
3. How many implants will be needed for your case.
4. Your need to discuss the actual reconstruction with the dentist who will actually be building upon the implants which were placed by the implant surgeon.
5. Are there any special considerations regarding your case?