Your upcoming dental implant consultation is an exciting opportunity to learn more about this incredible treatment and all the amazing ways it can benefit you. Often, patients head into these appointments feeling a little apprehensive. The good news, however, is that there’s nothing to be afraid of! This important dental visit will be a painless, informative discussion about your smile restoration goals, and may include an oral exam and imaging. Here’s what it could look like, and why it might just be the first step of a beautiful journey!
1. Discussion of Your Medical History
When you arrive at your dental implant consultation, you’ll first discuss your medical history with your dental team. This should include any current health conditions, and any medications you may be taking (both prescription and over the counter). You can also let your dentist know about any oral health issues you may be experiencing, such as gum disease, jaw pain, or tooth decay. While this step may not seem that important, there are certain medical conditions that may increase your risk of dental implant failure or make surgery unsafe, so be sure to be completely honest with your team.
2. Oral Health Examination
Next, your dentist will give you a full oral examination. She will check the condition of any remaining teeth, your gums, and make sure you do not have any warning signs of serious conditions like oral cancer. If she notices anything that needs to be corrected, she will create a treatment plan to fix it before proceeding on your dental implant journey.
3. Imaging
Once your exam is completed, your dental teeth will take some images of your mouth and jawbones. These will be used by your dentist to get a more complete picture of the condition of your oral health. This will also let her know if you need any preliminary procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift prior to getting dental implants.
4. Jawbone Examination
After carefully reviewing your images, your dentist will examine your jawbone in person. If she determines that it is in good condition or can be restored with a preliminary treatment, you can advance to the next stage of the consultation; however, if your jawbone density cannot be restored to a sufficient level, she will make recommendations for more sustainable options such as dentures or a dental bridge.
5. Reviewing the Treatment Plan
Now your dentist can create a treatment plan. This will include a timeline for any preliminary procedures, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, aftercare instructions, and any other pertinent information about the dental implant process.
6. Pricing & Payment Details
By now, you’re probably curious about the cost of your dental implant treatment. At this stage, your dental team will discuss your options for payment, including what your dental insurance may cover, flexible financing programs, and even in-house membership plans that could offer valuable discounts.
7. Pre-Op Instructions
Welcome aboard! Now that you’ve signed on the dotted line, your dentist will provide you with a set of pre-op instructions to help you stay on track for a successful dental implant procedure. This is designed to get you and your mouth ready before the big day, so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when your prosthetics are placed.
Remember, your dental implant consultation is the very first step on an amazing journey to restore your healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re ready to get started, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Ambiance Dental Spa, Dr. Hightower and Dr. Barrow can’t wait to guide you on your journey to better oral health. If you’re interested in learning more about how restoring your smile with dental implants can help you broaden your diet, improve your wellness, and bring back your confidence, visit our website or call 301-262-2624 to schedule your consultation.