So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get dental implants. Congratulations! You’re about to receive the best dental treatment available to replace missing teeth and keep your smile healthy. You probably have a million questions, but you should probably narrow it down, so you don’t stay in the dentist’s office until dusk.
Continue reading to find the questions you need to know to get the most out of your dental implant consultation.
1. Do You Perform Your Own Procedure, or Work with an Oral Surgeon?
When considering dental implant surgery, it’s important to ask about the approach. Some dentists perform the procedure themselves, while others collaborate with oral surgeons for more complex cases.
Understanding your dentist’s role and their work with specialists can inform you if you’ll need to work with multiple offices or if you’ll see one person from start to finish.
2. How Long Does the Process Take?
Typically, the entire process of dental implants from start to finish can take months. This can fluctuate with the number of implants you need and the speed of your healing. Your dentist will have a more accurate read based on your treatment plan.
3. How Do You Know if I Can Receive the Treatment?
While most people can have dental implants without issue, your dentist will need to evaluate you for possible contraindications like gum disease or systemic medical conditions like diabetes. These can complicate the procedure.
4. Will the Treatment Interfere with My Work or Home Life?
The implant treatment requires surgery, so it may be recommended that you take off for a couple of days of work to recover after the procedure. You can’t take time off from your kids, so be sure to get plenty of rest while you’re recovering.
5. Do You Have Any Pictures of Recent Successes?
Your dentist may be able to provide you with before and after pictures of some of their dental implant treatments. Seeing the success of others will not only give you an idea of the results you can expect from the procedure but also give you confidence in the abilities of the dentist.
6. What Is the Recovery Process?
While the recovery process for most patients is effectively the same—get plenty of rest, avoid certain foods, and brush carefully—your dentist may have special instructions for you if there are any complications, or if they foresee issues in the future. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
7. Do You Have a Payment Plan?
Dental implants are an investment. It’s a good idea to know what your financing options will be like for the treatment. Many insurance plans won’t cover dental implants because they are largely considered “cosmetic.”
With these questions, you will be able to collect a broad base of knowledge from your dentist and be well-informed about your upcoming treatment. To ensure your success, remember to follow all of your dentist’s instructions. Implant failure is rare but can occur if you’re not doing your part!
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki has been a practicing dentist for over forty years. His ultimate goal is to bring his patients out of pain and help them achieve their most beautiful smiles. After receiving his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Florida, Dr. Nawrocki began to practice and increase his knowledge through professional organizations and continuing education courses, racking up thousands of hours in his lifetime. To schedule a dental implant consultation, call (321) 783-7514 or visit the website to learn more.