To refer patient for dental implants Guildford dentists simply need to send across the patient’s dental and medical history, any existing X-rays or scans, and a short note on why implants are being considered. From there, we take care of the assessment, planning, and treatment, and keep you updated at every stage. This article sets out the dental implant referral process step by step, so you know exactly what to send and what happens next.
Whether this is your first referral to us or you refer patients regularly, having a clear process makes things easier for you, your practice, and most importantly, the patient. Below, we cover what to include, how we handle the case once it lands with us, and how we keep communication open throughout.
When to Make a Referral
A referral is worth making whenever a patient is missing one or more teeth and wants a fixed, long-term replacement, or when you’re unsure whether they’re a good candidate for implants and want a specialist opinion.
Typical scenarios include:
- A single missing tooth where the patient wants an alternative to a bridge
- Multiple missing teeth, where several implants or a full-arch option like All-on-4 may apply
- Reduced bone volume, where a bone graft or sinus lift might be needed first
- Gum health concerns that should be assessed by our periodontics team before implant planning begins
- A patient who has already asked about implants and needs a proper consultation to explore whether they’re suitable
You don’t need to have all the answers before referring. Part of our role is working out whether implants are the right option, and if not, what alternative might suit the patient better, such as crowns and bridges or prosthetics.
Information to Include With Your Referral
The more information you can send with an implant referral for dentists to review, the faster and smoother the assessment tends to be for the patient. It also means we can flag early on if anything additional is likely to be needed.
Dental and Medical History
Please include:
- Relevant medical conditions, medications, and allergies
- Any history of gum disease or periodontal treatment
- Previous extractions or dental trauma in the area being considered
- Smoking status, since this can affect healing and long-term implant success
Existing X-rays
Where available, please send any recent X-rays covering the area in question. This gives us an early indication of bone levels and the condition of neighbouring teeth, and can save the patient a repeat X-ray at their first visit.
CBCT Scans, Where Appropriate
If your practice has already taken a CBCT scan, please include it. A CBCT scan gives a three-dimensional view of bone height, width, and density, which is particularly useful for multiple-tooth or full-arch cases. If one hasn’t been taken, we’re able to arrange this as part of the assessment.
Clinical Photographs
Clinical photographs of the site, and of the patient’s smile more generally, help us understand the case before the patient even walks through the door. This is especially useful for cases involving the front teeth, where appearance is a bigger factor in planning, or for patients also interested in wider cosmetic dentistry work.
A Short Referral Note
A brief note covering why you’re referring, what the patient has been told so far, and any specific concerns, helps us tailor the first consultation to the patient’s needs rather than starting from scratch.
How to Send Your Referral
Referrals can be sent by email to enquiries@guildfordsmiles.com, or you’re welcome to call us on 0148 336 1739 to discuss a case first if you’d rather talk it through. You can also reach us through our contact page.
Once we receive a referral, our team will get in touch with the patient directly to arrange their first appointment, and you’ll receive confirmation that the referral has been received.
What Happens After You Submit the Referral
Patient Assessment
At the first appointment, the patient meets one of our dentists for a full clinical assessment. This covers gum and bone health, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and a discussion of the patient’s expectations.
Where imaging hasn’t already been provided, we’ll arrange an X-ray or CBCT scan at this stage. We never rush this part of the process, since an accurate assessment is what a good treatment plan depends on.
Treatment Planning
Once the assessment is complete, we put together a treatment plan tailored to the patient. This might involve a single implant, several implants, or preparatory treatment such as a bone graft or surgical extraction first.
We talk the patient through:
- The proposed treatment and roughly how long it’s likely to take
- Any preparatory steps needed before implant placement
- Costs, along with our 0% APR finance option through Tabeo
- What ongoing maintenance and check-ups will look like afterwards
Dental implants start from £2,500, with bone grafts or sinus lifts from £500 and full-arch treatment from £12,500. A full breakdown is available on our fee guide, which you’re welcome to share with patients ahead of their appointment.
Communication With the Referring Dentist
We keep you informed throughout, from confirming that the referral has been received, to letting you know the outcome of the assessment, to updating you once treatment is complete. Once a patient’s implant treatment has finished, we’re glad to hand their ongoing routine care back to your practice.
If a patient also asks about other treatments while they’re with us, such as tooth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, a full smile makeover, Invisalign, or gum line correction, we’ll let you know so you’re kept in the loop on the full picture of their care.
Referring Patients From Guildford and Nearby Areas
We accept referrals from practices across Guildford, as well as from Woking, Shere, Shalford, and Godalming. Our Phoenix Court practice is easy for patients to reach from across the area, with weekday appointments available to fit around work and family life.
If you’d like to discuss a case before sending a formal referral, our team, introduced on our meet our team page, is happy to talk it through with you.
Supporting the Rest of the Family
Implants are only suitable for adult patients once jaw growth is complete, so referrals are always for adults. If a referral involves a wider family, our children’s dentistry, general dentist, and preventive care services can support other family members in the meantime. You can view our full range of services on our treatments page, or visit our home page for a general overview of the practice, including our dental implants page and our specialist dentistry services. Patients can also ask about our patient plan for ongoing preventive care once implant treatment is complete, and for anything unrelated needing attention, our white fillings service remains available too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Send a referral by email or phone, including the patient’s dental and medical history, any existing X-rays or scans, and a short note on why you’re referring. We’ll then contact the patient directly to arrange their first appointment.
Not necessarily. If you already have one, please include it, as it helps with planning. If not, we can arrange a CBCT scan as part of the patient’s assessment.
Yes. We update referring dentists at each key stage, from confirming the referral to letting you know once treatment is complete, so you’re never left wondering how the case has progressed.
We’ll explain clearly what’s needed first, such as treating gum disease or building up bone, and outline a plan for getting them ready for implants in future.
Yes, once implant treatment is finished, the patient returns to your practice for their ongoing routine dental care.
Yes, we offer 0% APR finance through Tabeo, which many patients use to spread the cost of implant treatment.
In Summary
Referring a patient for dental implants in Guildford is straightforward when you know what to send. A clear history, any existing imaging, and a short note on the patient’s situation are usually all we need to get started, and we’ll handle the rest, from assessment through to treatment planning and beyond.
If you have a patient ready for a referral, get in touch through our contact page, or encourage them to book an appointment directly. You’re also welcome to call us on 0148 336 1739 to talk through a case first. Once you’re ready to proceed, patients can book an appointment with our team, and we’ll take care of the assessment and treatment plan from there. If you’d like to see our full pricing before referring, our fee guide is a useful starting point, and you can always book an appointment on the patient’s behalf once you’re ready to proceed.
