You’ve gone long enough without a full smile, and you want to start right away getting your new teeth. You’ve set your sights and heart on dental implants, but then when you call to schedule treatment, you’re told you need a consultation first. Why? What happens at a dental implant consultation that is so important? Keep reading to learn about the steps of this appointment and how it helps you achieve your goal.
Casual and Personal Conversation
As with many consultations, an initial implant meeting should start by getting to know each other a little better. Your dentist wants to learn about you as an individual: what your goals and needs are and what’s important to you. Not only can this conversation tell them which option you may prefer to get, but it also allows your dentist to better understand how to identify the best possible route to your restored smile.
Discussion of Your Medical History
At first, it may seem that your dentist doesn’t need to know about your medical past, but they do when it comes to dental implants. Your overall health can influence whether these posts will be properly integrated into the jawbone. Conditions like osteoporosis, poorly maintained diabetes, pregnancy, cancer, and others may delay treatment or require additional procedures to prepare.
Examination and X-Rays
To determine if dental implants are a wise idea for you, they need to ensure your mouth is healthy enough for them. They inspect your gums and any remaining teeth with the natural eye and then take images of your oral cavity. These X-rays reveal how much bone tissue is available to integrate with the implants. Fortunately, bone grafts, sinus lifts, and gum disease treatment can address multiple obstacles keeping you away from the smile of your dreams after tooth loss.
Financial Questions and Answers
Before making your decision, you probably have several questions about the process, and you definitely need to know the cost before you start treatment. When discussing your options for tooth replacement, ask about the finances, and your dentist and their team can break down the expenses as well as the value of each choice. Perhaps your dentist accepts dental insurance, has their own savings plan for those who don’t have benefits, or allows financing through companies like Chewsi.
Treatment Recommendations and Planning
Putting all this information together, your dentist can offer some advice—their recommendation for replacing your missing teeth. They can also answer any questions you have about dental implants. Once you’ve selected the treatment you want, your dentist can then put together a plan and timeline. At that point, you can get started toward your perfect smile!
Without this consultation, the likelihood of success with your dental implants wouldn’t be as high as it is with it. Knowing about you and your mouth can help your dentist better prepare you to have teeth you can be proud of again! Even if you feel ready, be a little more patient to make sure your dream smile becomes reality.
About the Practice
At Papageorgiou Dental Associates, Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and Dr. Paola Buckley make a dental implant dream team. With decades of experience, they both are dedicated to success for each patient. Dr. Buckley is a periodontist, which means she specializes in gum procedures, including gum disease therapy and implant placement. As a result, you can rely on our expertise and friendly personalities to put your mind at ease. Give us a call at 508-545-1126 to reach our Natick office or visit our website to schedule your own dental implant consultation today!