Dental implants have allowed many patients to replace their lost teeth with beautiful and lifelike restorations that may last a lifetime if they receive excellent care, and the process of receiving these amazing devices always begins with a consultation with your dentist. During this meeting, your oral health professional will carefully evaluate your mouth to determine the best way to restore your smile and answer any questions you have about the process. Here are a few excellent queries to make during your consultation.
Will I Need Any Preliminary Treatments?
A person’s candidacy for dental implants mostly depends on the health of their gums and jawbones. Gum disease or low bone density may disqualify you from receiving them initially, but many patients with these conditions can become excellent candidates later after undergoing appropriate treatments to resolve the issue. Your dentist can address gum infections with periodontal therapy, and they may be able to refer you to a specialist who can reinforce your jaw with bone grafts.
Will My Preexisting Condition Require Special Considerations?
Health conditions such as pregnancy, osteoporosis, hemophilia, cancer, and diabetes can complicate the process of placing dental implants as can certain medications such as blood thinners. However, none of these necessarily disqualify you from receiving implants. During your consultation, your dentist will carefully evaluate your medical history and list of medications to check for any potential complications and plan your treatment accordingly.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
Since dental implants must be surgically inserted into the jawbone and fitted with customized restorations through several minor procedures, the process of placing them takes significantly longer than crafting traditional restorations like bridges and dentures. During your consultation, your dentist will be happy to help you understand the timeframe required to place your implants including any preliminary procedures and how much time you will need to recover between treatments.
Your consultation is an excellent chance to have anything you would like to know about dental implants explained by a qualified professional. Coming prepared with a few excellent questions can help set you up for a smooth and successful treatment process and many years with a beautiful and complete smile.
About Author
Dr. Luke Vernon earned his dental degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has completed countless hours of continuing education coursework to further refine his skills. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Colorado Dental Association. His office in Denver provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, contact his office online or dial (720) 902-8080.