Surprises for birthdays and anniversaries can be fun and exciting, but in other situations, it’s best not to be surprised. Take, for instance, your dental implant consultation. Before starting such a complex and important treatment, you should know what you’re getting into and know what to expect. Here are some of the things that will happen during this essential appointment so that you know what’s coming.
Discussion
Dental implants aren’t right for everyone, which means that you and your dentist should have an honest discussion at your consultation. Believe it or not, they value your input! After all, treatment should help you reach your smile goals. Share what you want from your tooth replacements, your medical and dental history, and learn more about your options. Together you can determine whether implants are a good idea for you.
Examination
Before explaining your options, your dentist will need to look at your mouth to see if it is prepared for dental implants. The condition of your mouth matters because if it doesn’t provide a hospitable environment for the implants, they won’t be successful. As a result, your dentist inspects your mouth for infection, decay, and other possible impediments. If you have a healthy mouth, you are likely a viable candidate for these tooth replacements.
What if your dentist does find something amiss? If you have gum disease or some other issue, your dentist can treat the problem. When you’ve recovered, you can reconsider dental implants.
X-Rays
Another important deciding factor in your eligibility for dental implants is having a strong jawbone. To see your jawbone density, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth and see whether it can support dental implants properly.
When you lose a tooth and its roots, the jawbone is no longer stimulated and can lose density. If this has happened to you, a bone graft can reinforce the bone and help it regain its strength for implant placement.
Planning and Moving Forward
Supposing that everything checks out and looks good, you may wish to proceed with implant treatment. The process can be complicated, but your dental team can explain the details and answer questions you may have about scheduling, cost, and other concerns.
By the time you leave your implant consultation, you should feel confident about your plan and have all your questions resolved. Knowing what will happen at this visit in advance can help you come prepared and make the most of your appointment.
About the Practice
Dr. Erin Prach loves to help people—it’s what drew her in part to dentistry in the first place. After graduating with her dental degree from the University of Colorado, she has continued to build on her knowledge and skills through ongoing training. In fact, she completed a course in Guatemala on oral surgery. If you have questions about dental implants or the consultation, contact the team at our Casper office online or call 307-337-4770.