Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing tooth because they look and function more like natural teeth than some of the other options. Before your dentist can proceed with this treatment, though, they’ll need to bring you in for a consultation. Not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure, so it’s imperative to first establish that it’s a feasible solution for you. Keep reading to learn about what you can expect from this initial visit.
Find The Right Dentist
Dentists are not all the same and have different focuses and specialties. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to find a dentist with the right experience. Because a surgical procedure is involved, you’ll want to find someone with the advanced training necessary. You can search your dentist’s website, or call their office, to find out whether they offer these services. If they don’t, they may have recommendations for who to contact next.
Preliminary Conversation
Once you have found a skilled dentist, you’ll schedule your first appointment. When you arrive, you’ll meet the dental team and dentist who will support and guide you through the process. During your first conversation, you’ll have the chance to share more about your goals and concerns. You can also expect the dentist to review your records and ask about your oral medical history.
Every individual’s circumstances are unique and your dentist may ask additional questions to understand your condition and how they can help. This can trigger some patients if they feel embarrassed over the condition of their smile. Remember, though, that your dentist isn’t there to judge you! They are more concerned with keeping your mouth healthy and strong.
Examination and Imaging
Next, your dentist will examine the condition of your teeth, gums, and overall health. They’ll need to evaluate the density of your jawbone to ensure there’s enough viable material to support a dental implant. To do this, they’ll take X-rays or CT (computer tomography) scans. This also shows them exactly where the restoration needs to be placed.
If your dentist finds there’s not enough bone volume, they may need to perform a bone graft and give that time to heal, first.
Treatment Options
After gathering all of the necessary information and imaging, your dentist will evaluate your condition and formulate one or more treatment plans to discuss with you. This is a great time to ask any questions and have them all answered before moving forward. Together, you and your dentist will decide on a treatment plan that works for you. If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, they’ll explain the next steps, timeframe, and what to expect from the procedure.
Then your consultation is complete! You’ve started the process and will soon have a beautiful new replacement tooth to show for it.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell studied at Lyon College in Batesville, AR before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee. She has over a decade of experience helping patients achieve their dental healthcare goals. She has also undergone advanced training in no-fear sedation as a Master in the College of Sedation Dentistry. If you’re considering dental implants, you’ve come to the right place! To schedule a consultation, you are welcome to contact her on her website or by calling (870) 932-8488.