4 Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implant Consultation

Are you missing one or more teeth and looking into replacement options? Missing teeth and having gaps in your smile can really do a number on your confidence. Luckily, dental implants are a sturdy, reliable, and effective way of filling out your grin. If you decide to set up an appointment to learn more about the procedure, here are four questions you should ask your dentist at your dental implant consultation.

Question #1: How Much Experience Do You Have with Dental Implants?

Make sure your implant dentist is an oral surgery professional or a board-certified periodontist. You should also ask them if they’re a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Knowing how much experience they have will allow you to determine whether or not you’re comfortable with moving forward with the procedure.

Question #2: Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you’re considering getting dental implants, it’s important to determine if you’re oral health is in good enough condition. Since it’s important to start off with healthy gums, periodontal disease will need to be treated before you proceed. Your dentist will take X-rays as well as do a thorough exam to make sure you don’t have any preexisting oral health issues that need to be treated before you move forward.

Question #3: How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth and are inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. Each one may take up to an hour to place, and it will take several months for them to successfully fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once your dental implants have healed fully, your dentist will have you set up a follow-up appointment so they can attach your crows or other restorations to complete your smile.

Question #4: How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery times will vary depending on the person, but your gums will be sore for at least a few days after the procedure. You’ll be able to go back to eating regular foods once you start feeling better, but you should continue avoiding tough, acidic, sharp, spicy, crunchy, sticky, chewy, or overly hot or cold foods and drinks. Use an ice pack or cold compress to alleviate any swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medicine to make recovery more comfortable. It will only take up to a week for you to feel completely healed, but your jaw will take an additional four to six months to heal.

Dental implants are an excellent way to complete your smile and gain back some of your bite power. Contact your dentist to set up a consultation so you can determine if they’re the right option for you!

About the Author

Need dental care? Springhetti Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Aaron Springhetti and his talented team of Carmel oral health professionals take pride in what they do. They offer the best dentistry around to patients of all ages in their comfortable, inviting office. If you’re interested in getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, they can walk you through the process and answer any questions you have you can feel completely confident in your decision. For more information on dental implants or to set up an appointment with Springhetti Dentistry, visit their website or call their office at (317) 875-7645.