After doing much research about how to replace your missing teeth, you may be like the millions of others who appreciate the permanency that is achievable with dental implants. However, there is a significant process that is required. Preparing yourself for what lies ahead is important, and it all starts with a scheduled dental implant consultation with your dentist. If you feel unsure about your appointment and don’t know which questions to ask, here are three to consider.
How Will You Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment?
The initial consultation that is required to move forward with dental implants involves meeting with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment.
After reviewing your goals and going over what you hope to accomplish by receiving dental implants, your dentist will begin to survey the state of your oral health and jawbone as well as ask questions about your overall well-being. This is important to make sure you are in good shape to undergo minor oral surgery.
Based on the information you provide and the findings the dentist retrieves when examining your mouth and jawbone, they will determine if these prosthetics are enough to provide adequate results. If any issues are discovered (i.e., gum disease, cavities, jawbone loss, etc.), additional treatment can be provided to make sure your mouth and oral health are in the best possible shape for future dental implants.
Do You Have Any Cases or Pictures from Previously Treated Patients?
Most dentists include a smile gallery on their website that you can quickly view. They might also have some additional images they can show you during your visit.
This representation of their work will give you a clear idea of what kind of care and attention the dentist provides when performing dental implant placement. To see a patient’s smile go from incomplete to full and functional is inspiring. You might also find it helpful to see if they have any patient reviews, as this can give you further insight into the experiences of these individuals who have entrusted their smile to this particular dentist.
What Payment Options Are Available for Dental Implants?
Paying for dental implants is one of the most common concerns among patients. It’s natural to be interested in what kind of payment options are available and if the dentist’s office offers any specific programs or plans to help with lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Your dentist may welcome dental insurance, which can be used to help offset some of the costs associated with treatment, such as the restoration, consultation, and preliminary care. They might also partner with third-party financing companies like Cherry. Knowing your options can help you prepare your budget before agreeing to start the process.
Walk into your dentist’s office with these three questions (and more) in hand and prepare to feel more confident as you begin the journey of achieving a full, complete, functional, and beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Kyle Sharp is a graduate of the Texas A&M School of Dentistry and enjoys providing personal, reliable dental care to residents in Fort Smith and the surrounding area. Trained to provide many complex services in-house, he makes it easy for patients who are interested in dental implants to get the care they need all under one roof. Offering start-to-finish treatment, he and his team at Sharp Smiles will make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you want to replace one or more missing teeth and prefer to avoid referrals, contact us via the website or by calling (479) 648-9988.