If you’re thinking about dental implants, but you’re not quite sure what the first step looks like, you’re in good company. In every case, treatment starts with a simple, stress-free consultation. This first visit is all about information, planning, and making sure implants are the right fit for your smile (and your lifestyle). Keep reading to see what you can expect when you walk through the door of your dentist’s office.
A Conversation About You
The appointment usually begins with a conversation. Your dentist will ask about your medical history, dental health, medications, and lifestyle habits. As tempting as it may be to bend the truth a little, it’s best to be honest. Your dentist won’t judge you, and the information they gather helps assess whether you’re a good candidate for implants.
If you smoke, have chronic health conditions, or take certain medications, these are all factors that might affect healing or treatment success. But don’t worry, your dentist will create a treatment plan to get around these issues.
A Closer Look at Your Smile
The next bit of business is a comprehensive exam. This may include X-rays and a 3D scan of your teeth. These images help your dentist evaluate the health of your gums and jawbone. Implants need healthy bone to stay secure, so if bone loss is present, your dental team might recommend a bone graft or an alternative treatment before moving forward.
A Perfect Time for Questions
Your consultation is the perfect time to ask questions, so be sure to bring them with you. If you’re not sure what to ask about, here are some ideas:
- What is the timeline for treatment?
- What are my options for pain management?
- What will my costs and insurance coverage look like?
- What happens during the healing process?
Your dentist will walk you through the answers to each question and then through the whole treatment, so you leave feeling informed and confident.
A Custom Treatment Plan
After the exam and discussion, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored just for you. This includes how many implants you may need, the timeline of appointments, and the expected results. After your appointment, you should leave with a detailed breakdown of costs and an idea of your next steps.
Your dental implant consultation is the most important step in the process. It informs you of the steps in the treatment, helps your dentist configure your treatment plan, and ensures the overall success of your restoration. Now that you know what to expect, you can go into your dentist’s office confident and ready to talk about your future smile.
About the Practice
At Burncoat Family Dental, we offer custom implant solutions that help restore your confidence, health, and smile. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with knowledge and compassion. Call (508) 852-0168 to schedule your dental implant consultation or visit our website to begin building a smile that lasts.