Dental implants are considered by many to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth. They’re the restorations that are embedded into your jawbone, so they both look and function like your missing pearly whites.
The first step toward rebuilding your grin is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate. This appointment is also the perfect time to ask questions to ensure you make an informed decision about your smile.
If you’re unsure what you need to know, continue reading for 3 helpful suggestions!
Question #1: What’s Your Experience with Dental Implants?
Although all dentists are fully trained and educated, they have different levels of expertise with various treatments. For example, newer dentists may only have completed the dental implant procedure once or twice, while others might have restored hundreds of patients’ smiles this way. You might worry that you’ll insult your provider by asking about their experience, but they want you to feel confident in their ability to put your mind at ease. They’re usually happy to share their qualifications or share before/after photos of actual patients they’ve assisted.
Question #2: Am I A Good Candidate?
Dental implants are a popular solution, but that doesn’t make them the best option for every circumstance. Because they require surgical placement, your dentist must first establish that you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
During your consultation, they will ask questions about your medical history, list any prescriptions or supplements you’re taking, and examine your mouth for any issues that might interfere with your results. If they determine you’re not a good fit, you can ask why. It could be that you have cavities or gum disease that needs to be cleared up first. In other instances, your jawbone might be too thin to support prosthetics, but a bone graft can often bulk it up sufficiently to move forward.
Question #3: What Does the Timeline Look Like?
Many patients are surprised to learn that it can take weeks to months to complete the dental implant process from start to finish. This is because it takes that long for your jawbone to fuse with the titanium rod once inserted. Other factors influence the overall timeline, too, like whether you need additional procedures. Asking your provider what to expect from your unique circumstances can help you plan accordingly, and you won’t be surprised after the fact.
Having an open and honest conversation with your dentist ensures you’re on the same page about how to best care for your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez has decades of experience helping people build happy, healthy grins that last. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and then achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dentistry. He is passionate about staying on top of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques, so you can trust you’re always getting the most up-to-date treatments. If you’re interested in dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (520) 886-8090.
