Even if you haven’t made every routine dental visit in your life, you probably already know what goes on during a typical preventive appointment, but now that you’ve scheduled a dental implant consultation, you wonder how different it will be. If you aren’t getting a cleaning, what can you expect from this special meeting with your dentist? This post explains the elements you can look forward to as you discuss the potential for implants for your missing teeth.
Conversation
Most of the time you will spend at this consultation will consist of talking with your dentist. In fact, don’t be surprised if your appointment starts with a little more chit chat and personal conversation than usual dental visits. Your dentist will probably ask you about your life, goals, budget, and daily needs and habits, not just because they genuinely care about you but also because they must find out whether implants would be a good solution for you. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all treatment, they want to make sure this option would meet your unique needs.
Examination
Conditions in your mouth can impact your eligibility for dental implants, which is why the dentist must inspect any existing teeth and gums for infection. If you have an issue like untreated gum disease or another decayed tooth that needs to be extracted, they can address these problems first to set you up for long-term success with your new implant-retained smile.
Imaging
Not all obstacles to dental implants can be viewed with the naked eye. Below your gums, your jawbone must be strong and dense enough to stabilize your implants; otherwise, these posts will come out soon after placement. A CBCT scan, which compiles many, many X-rays into a 3D model of your oral cavity, reveals not just your jawbone tissue but also blood vessels, nerve endings, and other structures your dentist wants to avoid to reduce the risk of complications and ensure your satisfaction for years to come.
Treatment Planning
From all the information gleaned up to this point, your dentist will put together a customized treatment plan and timeline. They will explain the entire process, so you know what to expect from this treatment.
Answering Questions
This appointment can be full of new information and unfamiliar terms, so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. They are happy to educate you and make sure you fully understand everything this treatment entails to feel confident about your decision. In fact, if you have questions leading up to the consultation, write them down and bring them with you to make remembering them easier. You certainly can have some time to think about the treatment before moving forward, if necessary, but your dentist wants you to have all the information you need to make the best choice about replacing your teeth. If you don’t have any other concerns, it’s time to get started!
Although no actual procedures will occur during this consultation, the consultation is an essential beginning of dental implant treatment. Take advantage of this appointment to learn and start your path to a more complete smile and fully restored confidence!
About the Author
Dr. David Parsons has had the honor of serving his hometown of Winfield for about 40 years, taking over a practice his own father opened in 1954. Throughout his career, he has taken thousands of hours of continuing education coursework on complex treatments like oral surgery and dental implants, technology, and other areas of dentistry. In his practice, he uses a CBCT scanner to capture a more detailed image of patients’ oral cavities for more precise planning and treatment success. To schedule a consultation or other appointment with Dr. Parsons, contact our team online or call 620-221-0730.