Many experts consider dental implants the gold standard of replacement teeth because, unlike dentures and dental bridges, they are placed directly into your jawbone. They include a support rod, usually made from titanium, that’s embedded into your jaw and fuses with the bone to function as a sturdy standalone structure.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re the best treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs. Before you can be fitted with one of these popular restorations, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from this initial appointment!
Step #1: Update Medical History
Because dental implants involve oral surgery, your provider must ensure that you’re healthy enough to undergo it. As a result, the first thing your dental team will do when you arrive at the scheduled time is update your medical history. They’ll need to know about any recent diagnoses, procedures, prescription medications, or any supplements you take regularly to avoid doing anything that might harm your general health.
Step #2: Examination & Imaging
Once your records are current, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine your current condition and whether implants are the best solution. They’ll check for signs of pre-existing issues, like cavities and gum disease, and treat those first so they don’t interfere with your restorations.
Then, because your jawbone starts thinning after tooth loss, they’ll take X-rays or other images to measure its density. It needs to be thick enough to serve as a firm foundation for your new teeth once they’re placed.
Step #3: Treatment Plan
Next, your dentist will provide different treatment options based on the findings of their examination. They will include any additional services that might also be required before proceeding with implants, such as tooth-colored fillings to mend cavities, gum disease therapy, a sinus lift for accurate placement, or a bone graft procedure to bulk up your jaw.
They’ll discuss the different services in detail so that you have a comprehensive understanding of what’s involved in the procedure, what recovery looks like, how long it takes, and what the results will look and feel like.
Step #4: Wrap-Up
Once you and your provider have agreed upon an appropriate course of action, they’ll give you time to ask any questions or express any other concerns you might have. They want you to feel comfortable and confident moving forward and are usually happy to provide as much information as you need.
If you’re on the fence about getting dental implants, the best way to decide if they’re the right treatment for you is to contact your dentist to schedule your consultation!
About the Practice
At the Indy Dental Group, patients of all ages benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to providing a comprehensive menu of services. Whether you need basic preventive care or a more complex procedure, they have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to help. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with advanced technology to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including oral surgery, to streamline your experience. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call one of their several conveniently located offices!