Dental implants are highly recommended as a form of tooth replacement, but are they really right for you? The process of getting implants takes several months and requires surgery, so you have to be completely ready to commit before you begin; if you have any questions or doubts, you should let your prosthodontist know up front so that you can make the best decision for your smile. Below are 4 must-ask questions to bring up at your dental implant consultation.
1. Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not the only solution for missing teeth. Traditional dentures and dental bridges can also be used to restore your smile. While dental implants do have many benefits over alternative tooth replacements solutions (such as a long lifespan, better stability, and enhanced chewing strength), they aren’t always viable if the patient in question doesn’t have healthy jaws or gums. Your prosthodontist will have to evaluate your mouth to see if there are any problems that might interfere with implant placement. They’ll also speak to you about your oral health habits, such as whether or not you smoke; the best candidates for dental implants are people who already take good care of their mouths.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have with Implants?
A regular dentist can sometimes only restore dental implants and will refer you to a local oral surgeon to have them placed. A prosthodontist or implant dentist perform implant surgery themselves, but some have more training and experience in the procedure than others. Don’t be afraid to ask your prosthodontist about their background with dental implants; your smile deserves quality care, so you’ll want to ensure that your new teeth are in the hands of a true expert.
3. What is the Procedure Like?
A dental implant consultation is your chance to learn more about what you can expect when getting dental implants. Ask the prosthodontist to explain the procedure and pay attention to the details. You should also take the time to ask about the technology that they use to plan and perform the treatment and how it improves your chances of success.
4. How Long Does the Process Take?
Dental implants aren’t placed in a day. It will usually be several months before you can reap the full benefits of implant-supported teeth. Your prosthodontist can give you a more specific timeline after they’ve examined your mouth and determined whether bone grafting or other preliminary treatments need to be part of the process.
It’s a good idea to write down the above questions along with anything else you might want to know before you go to see your prosthodontist. That way, you can be sure that all your worries will be addressed before you have to make any choices about replacing your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Hanife Canan Bayraktaroglu (or Dr. Bay for short) has nearly two full decades of dental experience and is very passionate about changing people’s lives by giving them confident, complete smiles. She’s completed advanced training at the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, and other top dental organizations. She’s taken a number of courses on implant dentistry, and she is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists, so she has plenty of knowledge and experience when it comes to rebuilding smiles with implant posts. To schedule an implant consultation with her at Smile Rehab Centers in Southlake, visit her website or call (737) 250-0304.