4 Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implant Consultation

Are you missing one or more teeth? Dental implants may be the solution. These state-of-the-art titanium screws replace missing tooth roots to keep the jawbone from deteriorating and can give you back at least 80% of your bite power. Though dental implants offer a variety of benefits to those who get them, deciding to undergo a surgical procedure to have them placed isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. For that reason, make sure to ask your dentist these four questions at your dental implant consultation to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your smile.

Question #1: How Much Experience Do You Have with Dental Implants?

Before you move forward with treatment, make sure that your dentist is a board-certified periodontist or an oral surgery professional. Additionally, ask if they’re a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Knowing these things will allow you to ensure that you’ll receive quality care.

Question #2: Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

During your consultation, your dentist will take X-rays to make sure there aren’t any oral health issues that need to be addressed. This will also allow them to determine how dense the bone in your jaw is. If your teeth have been missing for a while, some of the bone in the jaw may have eroded due to lack of stimulation. A bone graft may be necessary to build it up enough to support dental implants. Additionally, since the implants are inserted through the gums and into the jaw, it’s important to start with healthy gums.

Question #3: How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?

A small incision is made in the gums so the dental implant can be inserted through them and into the jaw. Your dentist will have you come in at a later date to have the crown or other restoration placed on the implants. Once this has been placed, your new smile is complete!

Question #4: How Long Does Recovery Take?

Though you should start feeling back to normal within a week or two, it usually takes four to six months for the implants to completely fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. While you heal, avoid any foods or drinks that are tough, sticky, chewy, crunchy, sharp, spicy, acidic, or overly hot or cold. You may also want to take dentist-approved pain medicine or apply a cold compress to your cheek or gums to lessen discomfort.

Though these questions should provide you with the information you need to determine if you want to move forward with implant surgery, your dentist will be happy to answer any other questions you have. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

About the Author

If you’re looking to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants to fill in gaps in your grin, Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills is here to help. They offer a variety of tooth replacement options, including dental implants, and can answer any questions you have about the procedure. If you decide that you’re comfortable and confident with moving forward with treatment, they will get you started on your journey to a full, healthy smile! If you’re ready to make an appointment or have more questions about dental implants, call their office at (410) 902-4110 or visit their website.