Dental implants replace missing teeth. The
implant consists of an abutment placed within your gum tissue to support the
prosthetic tooth. The process consists of multiple steps but is worth it if you
want to regain your confidence and ability to chew and speak normally. You may
feel anxious, but fortunately, if you understand what to expect at your
consultation, you can ease some of that anxiety.
Evaluation
Your first appointment is when your dentist
will discuss your options for tooth replacement. He or she will review the
benefits and risks of dental implants when compared to dentures.
During your evaluation, your dentist will
ask you to complete a thorough medical and dental background evaluation. Your
dentist uses this information to determine if you can safely undergo the dental
implant procedure.
Your practitioner will also examine the
inside of your mouth to detect any issues that could increase your risk for
implant failure. This part of the exam also provides your dentist with insight
into whether you require a gum graft. The gum graft replaces missing or damaged
tissue that you need to support your implants.
X-Rays
X-rays supply your dentist with a view of
your teeth and underneath your gumline. This portion of the exam also helps
determine if dental implants are right for you while it also gives your dentist
insight regarding how to customize the process to your specific needs.
Mold Crafting
During your first appointment, your
practitioner will make a mold of your mouth. This mold helps the dentist draft
a plan for your dental implants.
Schedule Determination
As mentioned above, the process for dental
implants requires multiple steps. You will receive a schedule as to when you
undergo the first process and an estimated time when the dentist can complete
the entire process. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate since it depends
on how quickly you heal in between your appointments.
When you learn about the estimated
schedule, your dentist will inform you about the processes required before you
can receive the actual implants. For instance, your dentist may need to remove
one or more of your natural teeth first. You may also require a gum
graft.
Level of Sedation
At your first appointment, your dentist
will discuss your sedation options and help you decide on the one that suits
your needs.
Patient Education
Fortunately, you have little to do on your
end to prepare for each step of the process.
One step you'll need to take is to arrange
for a ride to and from your surgery if you choose, or the dentist decides, IV
sedation is the ideal solution. Additionally, if you need IV sedation, your
dentist will advise you to refrain from eating or drinking anything after
midnight the day before your procedure.
If you smoke, your dentist may recommend
you quit before your procedure. When you smoke before and after your dental
implant procedure, you increase your risk for implant failure.
Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to
take a few days before your surgery to reduce your risk for early implant
failure.
Questions
Your consultation is an excellent time for
you to ask any questions that you may have about any step of the dental implant
process. Before your consultation, you may want to jot down a list of questions
you have.
Dental implants are an option you may want
to consider for tooth replacement. Your first visit is a vital part of the
process of dental implants. This appointment helps determine if you qualify for
dental implants. Your practitioner also maps the course of action he or she
will need to follow before the dental implant surgery. Plus, your dentist can
also help you understand what to expect during the process.
Schedule a visit to discuss dental implants
with our dentist at Premier Dentures and Implants, serving Baker, LA and
the nearby region, by calling
us today.
