Dental Consultation: What to Expect at The Briars
If you’ve been advised to book a consultation, or you’re exploring treatment options, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what the appointment will involve. At The Briars Dental Centre, a consultation is a calm, informative, and pressure-free appointment designed to help you understand your oral health and make confident, well-informed decisions.
Rather than rushing into treatment, a dental consultation is best described as a fact-finding mission.
Every dental consultation at The Briars is structured around understanding you as a person, not just a clinical concern.
Your appointment will typically include:
A clinical examination of the area of concern
A discussion around your dental history
A review of your medical history and any current health considerations
Consideration of family history where relevant
Discussion of social factors, such as smoking or alcohol use, that may influence oral health
X-rays or scans if clinically appropriate
Most importantly, there is time to talk. A dental consultation allows space to ask questions, understand findings, and explore options without any obligation to proceed.
Some dental conditions benefit from assessment by a dentist with advanced specialist training. These appointments are known as specialist dental consultations.
With Richard Condon, Specialist Endodontist
Cost: £220
An endodontic dental consultation focuses on teeth affected by deep decay, infection, trauma, or persistent pain.
During this dental consultation, Richard will:
Examine the tooth or teeth involved
Review your symptoms and dental history
Often take a CBCT scan of the tooth or teeth being assessed
This three-dimensional scan allows the internal structure of the tooth and surrounding bone to be reviewed in detail and is included within the consultation fee. It supports accurate diagnosis and ensures any recommendations are based on the clearest possible clinical information.
You can find further information about endodontics and specialist root canal care via the British Endodontic Society:
https://britishendodonticsociety.org.uk/
With Sharmila Khopade, Specialist Periodontist
Cost: £215
A periodontal dental consultation looks at the health of the gums, bone support, and the long-term stability of the teeth. Importantly, periodontal care is not always related to gum disease alone.
As part of a dental consultation, Sharmila will:
Assess gum health and bone levels
Review dental and medical history
Take x-rays where clinically required
Explore aesthetic considerations involving the gums
In some cases, treatment planning may include aesthetic enhancements such as gum contouring, where the shape or level of the gums affects smile balance or tooth appearance. This means a periodontal dental consultation may be recommended for patients seeking aesthetic improvements, as well as those managing gum disease.
CBCT scans are not routinely required for periodontal dental consultations and are only considered when clinically necessary.
More information about periodontal health and treatment can be found via the British Society of Periodontology:
https://www.bsperio.org.uk/
Implant dental consultations at The Briars are carried out by Dr Nick French or Dr Richard Lilleker, both experienced general dentists.
Cost: £175
An implant dental consultation is designed to assess suitability and explore options for replacing missing teeth. It is not a commitment to treatment.
During this dental consultation, we will:
Examine the tooth or teeth being considered for replacement
Take a standard x-ray to assess bone levels and surrounding structures
Review your dental and medical history
Discuss treatment options, alternatives, and likely timescales
Why a CBCT scan is not taken at the first implant dental consultation
Patients often ask why a CBCT scan is not taken at the initial implant dental consultation. There are several important reasons for this:
Many patients attend before a tooth is extracted, and the bone in this area will change following removal
A scan taken too early may not accurately reflect the final implant site
Some patients decide not to proceed with implant treatment
Avoiding unnecessary scans avoids unnecessary radiation exposure
If you choose to move forward with implant treatment, a CBCT scan forms part of the dedicated planning appointments, taken at the correct stage to ensure precision, safety, and predictability.
You can read more about dental implant assessment and standards via the Association of Dental Implantology:
https://adi.org.uk/
A dental consultation does not obligate you to proceed with treatment. Instead, you will leave with:
A clear explanation of findings
An understanding of suitable treatment options
Honest guidance on risks, benefits, and alternatives
Time and space to consider your decision
At The Briars, we believe confidence comes from clarity, not pressure. A dental consultation is about empowering you with information so you can decide what feels right for you.
Do I have to go ahead with treatment after a consultation?
No. A dental consultation is purely about assessment and discussion. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment.
Why do some consultations involve scans and others don’t?
Imaging is tailored to the type of dental consultation and your individual needs. Scans are only taken when they add genuine clinical value.
Is a consultation the same as a check-up?
No. A consultation focuses on a specific concern or treatment area, whereas a check-up reviews overall oral health.
Why is a CBCT scan not taken at my first implant consultation?
Because bone levels often change after tooth removal and some patients choose not to proceed, CBCT scans are taken later as part of implant planning when appropriate.
Can a periodontal consultation be about aesthetics?
Yes. Periodontal consultations can include aesthetic considerations such as gum contouring, not just gum disease.
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