Are you considering getting dental implants to restore the appearance and function of your smile? Are you hesitant to make a call to schedule an appointment out of fear of what could happen? The great news is that your dental implant consultation is nothing to worry about. In fact, it can be very exciting to learn about what to expect from your new smile!
A Journey of a Thousand Miles…
While it won’t take that long to restore your smile with dental implants, every journey begins with a first step. At your dental implant consultation with your dentist, she will examine your mouth, evaluate the condition of your oral health, and present you with options for replacing your missing teeth.
Step One: The Health Discussion
The first step in your consultation is a discussion of your oral health and your overall health history. At this time, it is important to inform your dentist of any preexisting medical conditions including oral health problems like gum disease, or systemic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
Step Two: Oral Health Exam
Now your dentist will take a closer look at your gums and any remaining teeth you may have. She will check for any abnormalities like oral cancer or gum disease. If she notices anything out of the ordinary, she can create a treatment plan to get your mouth healthy or refer you to someone else who can.
Step Three: Imaging
After your dentist has taken a closer look at your mouth in person, your dental team will need to take some images of your mouth and jaw. This will not only help your dentist understand the condition of your teeth and bones, but it will also inform her if you need any preliminary treatment such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
Step Four: Jawbone Evaluation
Now your dentist will examine the jawbone to ensure that it’s healthy enough to support dental implants. If not, you might require a bone graft procedure to prepare it. In some cases, you may have experienced too much deterioration to be a good candidate for dental implants. In this case, your dentist can recommend some alternative treatments like dental bridges or dentures.
Step Five: Treatment Details
Once your dentist has a complete understanding of your mouth, she can go over the details of the dental implant treatment process, including preliminary treatments, lifestyle changes, aftercare instructions, and the treatment timeline.
Step Six: Pricing and Payment Options
Once you have been explained the details of your treatment, you can discuss payment options with your dental team. Though most dental insurance plans won’t cover the entire dental implant process, some may cover a portion of pre-treatment. Your dental team will explain your benefits and any financing options they accept.
Step Seven: Pre-Treatment Instructions
Now that you’re ready to hit the ground running on your dental implant treatment, your dentist will provide you with some important information you’ll need to ensure your journey is a success. These include actions like quitting smoking, and what to eat (and not to eat) after your dental implant surgery.
Remember, your dental implant consultation is an important step towards creating a healthy, beautiful smile, so don’t be afraid! Your dentist, along with your caring dental team, are ready to make this journey as pleasant and rewarding as possible!
About Our Practice
At Lyndon Family Dental, Dr. Rinoldo and Dr. Reid are ready to guide you through the dental implant process from start to finish. Whether you need just one dental implant or a full mouth of restorations, your dental team is proud to help. To schedule a consultation for dental implants and learn more about your smile options, please visit our website or call us today at 315-449-0711 today!