Scheduling a consultation with your dentist is a crucial part of the dental implant process. The overall goal is make sure you’re set up for treatment success, which sounds great, but might leave you wondering what your consultation will actually look like. This detailed dive into what you and your dentist will discuss will give you a more specific idea of what to expect!
Your Health History & Medications
If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or osteoporosis, your dentist needs to know about it. Certain medical issues can increase the risk of implant failure when not accounted for during the treatment planning process. Those with diabetes, for example, are more prone to gum disease, and your dentist might provide you with special oral hygiene instructions to protect the gums that will support your implants.
Naturally, they’ll also need to be aware of any medications or supplements you take so they can keep you safe during your treatment.
The Current State of Your Oral Health
A dental implant restoration requires healthy support structures in order to be successful. Your gums, jawbone, and any natural teeth all play a role in helping implants stay in place. If you have cavities, gum disease, or an oral infection, it’s vital to address that issue before proceeding with dental implant treatment. You can expect your dentist to visually examine your mouth, as well as use a CBCT scanner to capture detailed images of your oral structure.
Personalizing Your Treatment Plan
From there, you and your dentist will sit down to personalize your treatment plan. Depending on your situation, this could include making arrangements for preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy or bone grafting. You’ll also discuss your general availability and pin down a specific schedule for surgery and follow-ups.
Any Questions or Concerns You May Have
You’re welcome to ask questions or voice concerns at any point during your consultation, but just to be sure they’ve addressed everything you wanted to cover, your dentist will wrap-up with a Q&A. Some patients find it helpful to write down a list of questions before meeting with their dentist – that way, they’re less likely to forget an important concern. If you do need clarification after your consultation, though, please don’t hesitate to give your dentist a call!
Overall, you can think of a dental implant consultation as a more informal appointment. You might not get any dental work done that day – instead, you and your dentist will work together to coordinate the details of your treatment. Be honest about your health history, unique needs, and any potential concerns, and you’ll be sure to have a productive consultation!
About the Practice
We have multiple specialists on staff at Rauchberg Dental Group, including our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Eunjung Shim. Periodontists are considered experts in dental implant restorations, so you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands with Dr. Shim guiding your treatment. To schedule your dental implant consultation today, call our office at 973-718-9887.