What Can You Expect at Your Dental Implant Consultation?

Did you know almost half of Americans are missing at least one tooth? According to the American College of Prosthodontists, roughly 178 million Americans are lacking at least one pearly of their whites. Missing teeth make a difference in your appearance, and your overall quality of life can also be affected. These are both important to you, so you finally scheduled your dental implant consultation! Here are four things you can expect for your upcoming appointment.

#1. A Preliminary Conversation

Your dentist will begin the consultation by having a conversation with you about your oral health needs, goals, and concerns. Because every patient is unique, they will also review your medical records and ask about your history to assess your specific needs. Sharing all the necessary information with your dentist is important because it will help them develop a treatment plan that best suits your desired smile. 

#2. An Oral Examination

Your implant dentist will carefully examine your teeth and surrounding areas to look for any indications of oral health issues, like gum disease or tooth decay. They will also take X-rays and gather 3D images for an in-depth look at your current oral health and your jawbone. During this examination, they’ll be on the lookout for any problems that could potentially threaten the success of your dental implant. Depending on what they find, they may recommend additional treatments, like periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting to ensure you’re ready to begin your journey toward a new smile.

#3. A Suggested Treatment Plan

The examination will help the dentist determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If so, they will explain the treatment options and different types of implants available. Additionally, they’ll go over any necessary details of your journey, such as:

• How many implants you’ll need (this will depend on how many teeth you’re missing, as well as your oral health and personal preference)
• What the surgery will be like
• An estimated timeframe for the whole treatment
• An estimated price for treatment (they can check your insurance coverage and go over your payment options)

#4. Questions and Answers

At the end of your appointment, it will be time for you to ask any important questions you may have. Your dentist wants to make sure you are confident in your decision to get dental implants and provide any information to add to your comfort. Feel free to ask about their knowledge and experience. A good dentist will proudly share their journey and success stories with you.

Making the first move toward a complete smile is exciting! Your knowledge of what to expect during your implant dental consultation will help as you continue the journey to your dream smile.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga and his team at Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants are eager to help you complete your smile with dental implants. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is board-certified in both periodontics and dental implant surgery. By offering various dental implant services, he can help keep your new teeth whole and healthy. To schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or call (714) 587-9094.