Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, many people feel so self-conscious about the changes to their abilities and appearance that they avoid spending time with others.
Your dentist can close the gaps in your grin with dental implants, the only replacement teeth that are surgically placed in your jawbone for additional strength and stability. However, before approving your procedure, you must schedule an initial consultation with your provider. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from this appointment!
Step #1: Medical History and Discussion
Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to restore smiles after tooth loss because of their unique benefits. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, they fuse with your jawbone to become a permanent part of your mouth, so they’re usually more resilient and longer-lasting than the alternatives.
However, because the treatment includes oral surgery, your dentist must ensure that you’re healthy enough to successfully undergo and recover from the procedure. They’ll discuss your smile goals with you, then update your medical history and list any current medications or supplements you’re taking to avoid doing anything that might harm your general health.
Step #2: Examination
Next, before approving your procedure, your dentist must examine your mouth to check for any signs of common oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. It’s important that they address any problem areas before proceeding to prevent them from interfering with your results.
For example, treating periodontal disease before undergoing dental implant surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of developing peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that is also the number one leading cause of failure.
Step #3: Imaging
Once your provider addresses any pre-existing concerns with your dental health, they’ll take X-rays or other scans and images to see beneath the surface to determine the best solutions to meet your unique needs. They’ll also measure your jawbone density to ensure it’s thick enough to support your new teeth.
If your jaw is too thin to proceed, don’t lose hope! Sometimes, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough to move forward.
Step #4: Treatment Plan
After your examination and imaging are complete, your dentist will discuss possible solutions to replace your missing teeth. If they determine that dental implants are right for you, they can discuss the various options, the steps involved in the procedure, what to expect from recovery, and what results to anticipate.
If you have any pressing questions or concerns about dental implants, scheduling a consultation with your dentist can provide valuable information tailored to your unique circumstances.
About the Practice
Patients at Anderson Dental benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping families in Rapid City build their healthiest and most beautiful smiles. Dr. Anderson and Dr. McCullough collaborate to provide a comprehensive range of services to people of all ages, including replacement teeth, ensuring that you and your loved ones receive the same high-quality care. They have advanced training and utilize state-of-the-art technology, such as guided dental implant placement, for comfortable, lifelike results you can count on. You can request an appointment on the website or call (605) 721-1219.