A dental implant consultation is generally a low-pressure appointment. No treatment happens—it’s just an examination and discussion with your dentist. It’s a great visit to learn more about your treatment options, see if you are a good candidate, and try to pick the one that’s right for you. Although you don’t need to prepare physically in advance, you should consider coming with some questions in mind if you want to maximize your time and glean as much information as possible.
Below are some examples of questions you should have prepared for your dental implant consultation so that you leave feeling informed and confident about your decision to move forward.
How Many Dental Implants Do I Need?
There isn’t one set way to replace teeth with dental implants. In other words, these prosthetics can be used for any number of missing teeth. Whether you have lost one or all of your teeth, dental implants can be customized to your smile. Plus, it’s not always a one-to-one ratio. For several missing teeth, perhaps just two implants are sufficient. For an entire arch, you may be able to get just two or three implants to hold your restoration in place.
Ultimately, it depends on your situation and your needs. Your dentist can evaluate and put together a plan that personalizes implants to your smile.
Do You Place Dental Implants In-House?
Some dental practices do not handle the placement surgery in their office. Instead, they refer patients to an oral surgeon or other specialist. This extra step involves having to visit a new office, set up new patient forms all over again, and take more time to complete the process.
In contrast, working with a dentist who performs every step—even the placement procedure—allows you to save time and trouble.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
Typically, the implant process takes between six months and a year to complete. This timeframe will depend on how complicated your treatment is, how quickly you heal, and other factors. Keep in mind that if you require preparatory procedures to raise your chances of success, such as a bone graft or gum disease treatment, your overall timeline will increase.
When your dentist meets with you, they should be able to estimate how long it will take for your implant treatment to be completed based on your unique case.
How Much Will Treatment Cost?
Before you jump into getting any procedure, you should be aware of the associated cost of treatment. When it comes to dental implants, the price can vary substantially from case to case because of multiple factors. As a result, your dentist won’t be able to give you an estimate until they’ve examined you and created a treatment plan. However, after they’ve accomplished these things, they can let you know the cost and answer financial questions you may have.
These examples of questions can give you a great place to start in preparing inquiries for your consultation. If you need clarification on any part of your treatment, feel free to ask your dentist. They will be happy to explain anything in greater detail. With this knowledge, you can make a better choice for your replacement teeth.
About the Practice
Dr. Travis Spillman and Dr. Jacquelyn Green at Dental Center of Lakewood are proud to perform the entire dental implants process in-house, serving patients from beginning to end. We strive to educate, inform, and listen to patients during their consultation so that they know what to expect and have a better experience overall. To schedule your own dental implant consultation with our team, contact our Dallas office by calling 214-823-5253 or visiting our Contact Us page here.