The day arrives when you finally meet your dentist for a dental implant consultation. You prepare by compiling your various questions while also being ready to listen and learn from the experts. What will this visit entail? Should you be concerned about the process? Keep reading to find out what you can expect when discussing the prospect of receiving dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
You Will Undergo an Oral Examination
The first step is to undergo a thorough oral examination. This process involves allowing your dentist to review your gums, existing teeth, bite, etc. Assessing your oral health is important, as there may be preliminary treatments that are required before you’re able to receive dental implants. These can include gum disease treatment, tooth extraction, or even bone grafting.
If the jawbone lacks sufficient density, additional grafting materials will be used to create a more solid foundation for your new smile.
You Will Have Digital Images Taken of Your Smile
Before a comprehensive treatment plan can be crafted, you will have digital images taken of your smile. Depending on your dentist and their available technologies, they may use a CT/Cone Beam Scanner that rotates a full 360 degrees around your head to capture hundreds of images of your face and oral features.
Detailing the areas of your gums, teeth, bone, nerves, and blood vessels, these images produce a three-dimensional model that makes preparing for treatment and crafting a customized restoration easier than ever.
You & Your Dentist Will Discuss Your Options
Once your dentist collects their findings, you can expect the next step to involve discussing your available options.
While some patients are immediately cleared for dental implant surgery, others require additional dental care to create a healthier environment for future prosthetics. No matter the decision, you can expect your dentist to go over the types of dental implants that are available. As a highly versatile form of treatment, they can replace as few as one missing tooth or an entire arch.
You Will Review the Formalized Treatment Plan
The last step you will complete during your dental implant consultation is reviewing your proposed treatment plan with your dentist. This will not only include the expected cost of care but also:
- Whether you require preliminary treatments
- How many dental implants you need to have put into place
- The type of restoration you will require (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture)
- Whether you need local anesthesia and/or dental sedation
- Your recovery and any aftercare instructions
This visit is the ideal time to bring your questions, as your dentist will be ready to answer them. You don’t need to worry about being forced to move forward during this visit; however, you can expect to receive the information you need so that you can make a more well-informed decision about your smile’s future.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is the lead dentist at Prime Dentistry in Denton and is pleased to help patients suffering from tooth loss. Offering customized dental implants for a longer-lasting solution, he and his team are pleased to take a personalized approach that allows him to take his time when discussing potential treatment with interested individuals. Ensuring each dental implant consultation meets the needs of each patient, he is happy to answer questions and provide much-needed information. If you are interested in learning more about this type of tooth replacement, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
