The assessment: understand before deciding

You may have arrived here because a tooth has been missing for years and you wonder whether anything is still possible. Or because you were told ‘there is not enough bone’. Or because a tooth is loose and your gums bleed. Perhaps your denture no longer stays in place, two quotes seem to contradict each other, or you need to organise dental care during a stay in Morocco.

You do not need to choose the name of a treatment yourself before the appointment. The assessment first helps you understand the situation and identify which options may be worth discussing. It may also show that no treatment is needed for the time being.

# What happens during the assessment

You begin by explaining what is bothering you, how long it has been happening, and what you would like to be able to do again. You can talk about your concerns, including fear of dental care. The teeth, gums and the way your teeth meet are then examined. Imaging may supplement the examination when indicated.

The findings are then explained in plain language. The options are discussed along with their advantages, limitations, maintenance and healing times. Solutions that do not involve an implant are part of the discussion. If treatment is being considered, the assessment gathers the information needed to put the steps in order and establish the cost after the evaluation.

# What the assessment should help you understand

1. What is happening in your mouth: the condition of the teeth, gums and bone.
2. What needs prompt attention, and what can wait.
3. The reasonable options, including those without an implant, with their limitations and maintenance.
4. The steps, in the right order, including healing times and the visits to plan.
5. The information needed for a written plan and its cost, if treatment is being considered.

The assessment is carried out by Dr Fatima Azelmat, a dental surgeon in Kenitra. It is neither a remote diagnosis nor consent to treatment. You can take time to think, discuss it at home, and return with your questions.

# Preparing for your appointment

Bring any previous X-rays you have, a list of your medicines, and your written questions. If you are travelling from a distance, simply give your dates in Morocco when scheduling the appointment so the feasibility of the timetable can be considered without promising treatment before the examination.

Are you currently in severe pain or experiencing swelling? First read the Dental emergency in Kenitra page to find out what to do and which contact route to use.