Dentists consider dental implants to be the best form of tooth replacement available because they look and function just like real teeth while boasting an incredibly high success rate of over 95%. Part of the reason dental implants are so successful is that each patient is required to have a consultation with their oral surgeon beforehand to make sure that the procedure is right for them and that they understand what the procedure involves. Here’s what you can expect at your dental implant consultation along with a few tips for making it a productive meeting.
It Begins with an Oral Examination
The oral examination is a crucial part of your dental implant consultation. During this stage, your oral surgeon will evaluate the health of your mouth to determine if it can safely host dental implants, and this inspection usually includes X-rays to gain information about the interior of the jaws as well. If they find any oral infections such as tooth decay or gum disease, they will have to be resolved before the surgery, and many patients with jawbones too thin to host dental implants may be able to adequately reinforce them through bone grafts.
It Continues with a Discussion of Your Goals
During your consultation, your oral surgeon will ask questions regarding your goals and preferences for the treatment as well as your medical history. You can expect them to ask questions regarding pre-existing conditions, as issues like diabetes or immuno-deficiencies may require accommodation during treatment to prevent complications from arising. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have, so it might be a great idea to come prepared with a list of things you’d like to discuss.
The Development of the Treatment Plan
Once you are determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, your oral surgeon will develop a customized treatment plan for you. This will include:
- Any necessary preliminary treatments such as bone grafts or gum disease treatment
- The timeframe of the treatment
- How many appointments will be required
- Anesthesia and sedation dentistry options
- The recovery period and any related aftercare instructions
Dental implants can give you a beautiful new smile that looks and feels natural. By knowing what to expect during the consultation, you can take some of the stress out of the process and get the most benefit out of the meeting.
About the Practice
South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery delivers the finest oral surgical services available in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Loxahatchee Groves, FL. Led by Drs. Paul Weinstein, Jeronimo Guzman, Travis Thompson, Christopher Chafin, and David Holland, the staff delivers service with genuine compassion and courtesy in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include wisdom teeth extractions, general oral surgery, corrective jaw surgery, and dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact the practice online.