You are so excited to finally get the complete smile you have been waiting for! In all your research, you discovered that dental implants are an amazing option. Out of all the teeth replacements, dental implants are considered the gold standard. They are the only ones that recreate the entire structure of the lost tooth, from the root up through the crown. Now that your consultation is here, here is what to expect as you start your journey to your full set of pearly whites!
Preliminary Conversation
After meeting your dentist and their team, it’s time for a chat! Your dentist will have a discussion with you about your oral health needs, goals, and concerns. They will also review your medical records and ask about your history to assess your specific needs. Every patient is unique so your dentist will want a full picture of your oral health. Be sure to share all necessary information with them so they will be able to develop a treatment plan that best suits your desired smile.
Oral Examination
Your implant dentist will carefully examine your teeth and gums to look for any signs 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 teeth and jawbone.
During the examination, they will be checking 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. This will ensure you’re ready to begin the journey toward your complete smile!
Custom Treatment Plan
After your implant dentist determines you are a good candidate for a dental implant, they will explain the treatment options and different types of implants available. They will review 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
- A price estimate (they can check your insurance coverage and go over your payment options)
Questions and Answers
At the end of your appointment, it will be time for you to ask any important questions you may have. It can be helpful to have pre-written concerns or questions before the appointment. If they haven’t been answered during your visit, you can be sure to get those covered. Your dentist knows it is important to make you feel confident in your decision to get dental implants and provide any information to add to your comfort.
Making the first move toward a confident smile is exciting! Your knowledge of what to expect during your implant dental consultation will help as you continue the journey to your new teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song and his tight-knit team at Bridlewood Dental love to serve Flower Mound and the surrounding communities. He graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, one of the top schools in the nation, and has been practicing all services of dentistry for over 30 years. Thanks to his years of advanced training and experience, he performs every step of the dental implant process right here in our office, from consultation to final restoration. If you need to schedule a dental implant consultation or need help with other replacement options, contact him through his website or call (972) 945-7587.