Before you can have dental implants placed to replace your missing teeth, an initial consultation will need to be held to make sure you’re a viable candidate for the procedure. During this visit, your dentist will check to see if you have any questions regarding the overall process of rebuilding your smile. To ensure that you have all the information you need about your upcoming dental implant treatment, make a point of asking these 4 questions at your initial consultation.
1. Who Will Place My Dental Implants?
Some dentists can personally handle dental implant placement, but others will need to refer you to a local specialist. It’s essential to confirm exactly who will be placing your dental implants and what their credentials are; after all, you want to be sure that your smile will be in the hands of a true expert every step of the way.
2. Are Dental Implants Safe for Me?
Dental implants are considered safe for most people, but your unique circumstances will determine whether the treatment is truly right for you. Some health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain autoimmune diseases, could potentially lead to complications during the dental implant treatment. On top of that, people who take certain medications or are undergoing chemotherapy may also be at risk. Your dentist will let you know whether dental implants are right for you based on your situation.
3. What Will the Timeline for Getting Dental Implants Look Like?
Getting dental implants is a process that typically takes months. It should be noted, though, that the timeline isn’t exactly the same for everyone. For example, some patients might require preliminary treatments such as bone grafting before they can qualify for dental implants; you’ll therefore need to allow for however much time is needed for your mouth to recover from such procedures. Your initial consultation is your chance to get a reliable estimate of just how long the dental implant process will take in your case.
4. What Will Happen After My Dental Implant Surgery?
You’re likely to have plenty of questions about what you can expect after having dental implants placed. When will you be able to return to work? What will you be able to eat? How long will it take for your mouth to heal? How can you keep your discomfort under control? Don’t hesitate to voice these and any other concerns you might have at your initial consultation so that you can fully prepare yourself for the dental implant recovery process.
These are just a few examples of questions you might ask during your consultation. Be sure to write down any other inquiries that might be on your mind so that you don’t forget to bring them up. Information is key when it comes to making the best decision for replacing your missing teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Flinchum earned her dental degree from the University of Kentucky, and she completed her Advanced General Dentistry Residency at Idaho State University. She cares about always making sure her patients get the best outcome, which is why she works with local specialists for placing dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Flinchum at My Dentist Midtown in Tulsa, visit her website or call (918) 949-4450.