MODULE 3
Patient Education
Done-for-you handouts, informed consents, treatment roadmaps, and oral hygiene instructions. All at 8th-grade reading level. All branded with your practice information.
Give this visual timeline to every patient after their consultation. It sets clear expectations and reduces anxiety by showing exactly what happens at each phase.
Surgery Day
Implants are placed. You may have some swelling and mild discomfort. Follow your pain management plan. Eat soft foods only.
Early Healing
Swelling goes down. You can gradually return to softer regular foods. Keep the area clean. Attend your follow-up appointment.
Osseointegration
Your implants are bonding with your jawbone. This is the most important healing phase. Be patient — this is what makes your new teeth strong.
Uncovering & Impressions
We uncover your implants and attach the LOCATOR abutments. Impressions are taken for your new teeth. You are almost there!
Final Teeth Day!
Your new teeth are delivered! We will make sure everything fits perfectly, looks great, and feels comfortable. Welcome to your new smile.
"Use It or Lose It" — Why Your Jawbone Needs Implants
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath starts to shrink. This is because your bone needs the stimulation from chewing to stay strong and healthy — just like muscles need exercise.
Without implants: Your jawbone can lose up to 25% of its width in the first year after tooth loss, and continues to shrink over time. This is why dentures get loose and uncomfortable — the bone they sit on keeps changing shape.
With implants: The titanium implant acts like a tooth root, giving your jawbone the stimulation it needs to stay strong. This preserves your facial structure and keeps your prosthesis fitting well for years.
Fixed vs. Removable — What is the Difference?
Removable (Snap-On)
You can take your teeth out to clean them. They snap onto the implants for stability during the day. Great option for improved retention over a regular denture.
Fixed (LOCATOR Fixed)
Your teeth stay in all the time — you do not take them out. But your dentist can remove them for professional cleaning and maintenance. The best of both worlds.
Removable Overdenture Care
Fixed LOCATOR Prosthesis Care
Robust, legally defensible consent forms with patient initialing after each section. Customize with your practice information.
Surgical Consent — Implant Placement
Procedure Description
I understand that Dr. [NAME] will surgically place [NUMBER] dental implant(s) in my [upper/lower] jaw. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue, preparing the bone, and inserting a titanium implant fixture.
Risks and Complications
I understand the following risks: numbness or altered sensation in the lip, tongue, or chin (temporary or permanent); infection at the surgical site; implant failure or non-integration with bone; sinus involvement (upper jaw procedures); damage to adjacent teeth or structures; bleeding; swelling; and bruising.
Alternatives
I understand that alternatives to implant placement include: conventional dentures, fixed bridges (if adjacent teeth are present), removable partial dentures, or no treatment.
Post-Operative Care
I agree to follow all post-operative instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and report any unusual symptoms promptly. I understand that smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
Patient Signature: ________________________
Date: ________
Witness Signature: ________________________
Date: ________
Prosthetic Consent — Overdenture / Fixed Prosthesis
Prosthesis Description
I understand that a [removable overdenture / fixed LOCATOR prosthesis] will be fabricated and attached to my dental implants using LOCATOR attachment components.
Wear and Maintenance
I understand that the nylon retention inserts (snaps) in my prosthesis will wear out over time and need replacement approximately every 12-18 months. This maintenance is NOT included in the initial treatment fee and will be billed separately (D6091).
Ongoing Care Costs
I understand that regular maintenance visits (D6080) are necessary for the long-term success of my implant prosthesis. These visits include cleaning, tightening, and occlusion checks, and are billed separately from routine dental cleanings.
Limitations
I understand that no prosthesis perfectly replicates natural teeth. There may be an adjustment period. Relines or remakes may be necessary over time due to tissue changes or wear.
Patient Signature: ________________________
Date: ________
Witness Signature: ________________________
Date: ________
Discontinuation / Refusal of Treatment
Patient Decision
I, [PATIENT NAME], have been informed of the recommended treatment plan including dental implants and implant-retained prosthesis. I have chosen to [refuse treatment / discontinue treatment] against the advice of Dr. [NAME].
Risks of Non-Treatment
I understand that without implant treatment, I may experience: continued bone loss in my jaw, reduced ability to chew and eat properly, nutritional deficiency, changes in facial appearance, and ongoing difficulties with conventional dentures.
Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have been given the opportunity to ask questions, that my questions have been answered to my satisfaction, and that I am making this decision voluntarily.
Patient Signature: ________________________
Date: ________
Witness Signature: ________________________
Date: ________