When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often lauded as the gold standard due to all of the remarkable benefits they offer—including being able to restore the functionality and appearance of any number of lost teeth. However, before you can receive dental implants, you’ll have to attend a consultation with your periodontist beforehand; they’ll need to make sure your mouth is suitable for dental implants! Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to happen during this important initial appointment.
Is a Dental Implant Consultation Really Necessary?
The short answer here is yes, it’s important to attend a consultation with your periodontist or dentist prior to receiving dental implants—not everyone with missing teeth is immediately eligible for them. This is much more than just a preliminary visit; it’s a special appointment set up specifically to evaluate your oral health, assess your tooth loss, discuss your goals and expectations, and address any initial concerns, all before diving into reviewing and planning treatment options.
By the end of this busy appointment, you and your provider will have a clear understanding of the path forward, as well as the timeline for your dental implant procedure and recovery.
What Occurs During This Consultation?
The appointment will begin with a thorough discussion about your dental and medical history; you’ll be asked about previous oral surgeries, as well as any chronic health conditions you have or medications you’re currently on. Even factors that may seem irrelevant to dental implant surgery could end up being important, so be honest throughout this discussion so your provider can set realistic expectations for you.
Next, you’ll undergo a comprehensive oral examination, which involves checking the health of your gums and jawbone, among other areas. Your dentist will also use diagnostic tools to gain an even deeper understanding of your oral health; X-rays and CT scans can provide valuable information that leads to successful dental implant placement.
Patients who don’t have healthy gum tissue, as well as those with gum disease, will need to undergo preliminary treatment before they can receive dental implants. If something like a bone graft or periodontal therapy is needed, it’ll be scheduled before the implant placement procedure.
Before you leave, you’ll also be given any pre-treatment instructions to help prepare you for your next steps; this usually includes lifestyle-related advice like maintaining your oral hygiene, giving up smoking (if applicable), etc. Of course, you’ll also have the chance to review details, including the total cost, timeline, and future aftercare.
During your consultation, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your provider any questions that come to mind, whether you’re simply wondering more about the procedure itself or you simply need advice on what to do. With so many benefits to gain, dental implants are truly revolutionary when it comes to replacing missing teeth—and a quick, impactful consultation is the first step towards your new smile.
About the Practice
Our team here at Lorenzana Periodontics has served the needs of patients and families in San Antonio for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including tooth restoration options like dental implants, placed in-house by Dr. Lorenzana himself! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a dental implant consultation, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (210) 492-3519.