Dental implants are one of the most powerful tooth replacement options, providing a level of durability and stability that dentures and bridges can’t quite match. However, dental implants also require surgery and aftercare, which can make patients a little uncertain about the procedure.
If you have an upcoming dental implant consultation, that’s the time to clear up that uncertainty. Here are some questions to ask at that consultation to prepare you for what’s ahead.
Do You Complete This Procedure In-House?
Dental implant surgery is best done by specialists, so while general dentists will be happy to talk to you about dental implants, and even help design the crown, they may not do the surgery themselves. Instead, they can refer you to a periodontist or an oral surgeon who will do the dirty work.
If you have a general dentist you trust to make your crown you can still talk to them, but there’s something to be said for seeing a specialist who can be with you for the whole process. At a consultation, it’s worth asking whether your provider would complete the entire implant procedure in-house.
Do You Have Pictures?
Your provider can tell you a lot about their experience, the procedure, and what your smile will eventually look like, but all of that can still be hard to visualize. Most providers will take before and after photos for marketing purposes, and they’ll be happy to show them to you if you ask. Taking a look at them will not only give you an idea of what the procedure is liable to look like but also what your provider in particular is capable of.
How Long Will the Treatment Take?
The exact length of time the surgery will take depends on several factors. The time it’ll take to make your crown and how long it will take to recover can vary. You may also have to undergo bone grafting, which can delay things even further. However, your provider will be able to give you a very rough idea of how much time each of these things will take so that you can be prepared for the necessary commitment.
Of course, these aren’t the only things you can ask at a consultation. Your provider will be happy to answer any questions you might have, so don’t be shy!
About Our Practice
You might not always think that your gums are the most important part of your mouth, but at Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we know that they’re the foundation for a healthy smile. That’s why we’ve dedicated our practice to periodontics, assembling the greatest specialists that we could find to offer gum disease treatments and dental implant services.
If you’re looking for someone to help you with your dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (402) 483-7631.