Tooth loss is a common issue that Americans face. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while 40 million are missing all of their teeth! Fortunately, losing teeth no longer means that you need to go the rest of your life without them. Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring your smile, but before you can commit, you will need to attend a consultation with your dentist. Continue reading to learn what you can expect.
Oral Examination
During your initial consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They will also go over your medical history and evaluate your bone density. This is all to ensure that your mouth will be able to adequately support a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone density, you may require a bone graft before you are able to move forward in the dental implant process.
X-Ray Examination
There is only so much that your dentist can tell just by looking at your smile. This is why X-rays are performed in order to determine exactly how dense the bone is. Based on your x-ray, your dentist will determine exactly where your implant needs to be placed for the greatest chance of long-term success.
Asking Questions
Your dentist will go over your different treatment options in detail. During this time, it will be confirmed whether or not you make a good dental implant candidate. This is the perfect time for you to ask questions about the process, finances, or anything else that you would like to know ahead of time.
Treatment Plan
Once it is determined, your dentist will go over your treatment process in detail. This includes the length of the procedure, how many appointments you will require, what type od anesthesia and sedation dentistry options are available, how long it will take for you to fully recover, aftercare instructions, and what you can expect once your implants have completely fused with the jawbone.
Wrapping Up
By the end of your consultation, you should feel confident about your upcoming treatment. If you think of any additional questions after you leave the office, don’t hesitate to give your dentist a call. It is important that you are well informed and feel comfortable once your treatment day comes around!
Dental implants are a great solution for many people, but knowing about the treatment is important. Schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can go into the procedure with confidence!
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry before completing a residency program in prosthodontics and Master of Science to expand his skillset. Currently, he is a proud member of the American College of Prosthodontists and the Academy of Osseointegration. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Vero Beach, visit his website or call (772) 234-5353.