Your smile has a story, and dental implants are about to become the next chapter. You may be apprehensive about what to expect, but at your dental implant consultation, your dentist will create a comfortable, welcoming space that prioritizes your needs and wants. From understanding your concerns and evaluating your oral health to recommending the most effective path forward for successful results, here are 3 things you can expect when preparing to meet your dentist for a smile-changing consultation.
Start Talking: You’ll Meet with Your Dentist
What are your concerns? What are your smile goals? How severe is your tooth loss? You and your dentist will discuss these questions during your initial consultation. This visit means reviewing your records and X-rays to see the extent of your situation. Sharing your oral and medical history helps your team choose the right approach, use the right materials, and apply the most effective techniques for the best results.
Health Evaluation: You’ll Have Your Smile, Overall Health, & Jawbone Assessed
You’ll discuss your goals and concerns, but that’s not all. Your dentist will also complete a comprehensive examination that focuses on your oral and overall health and your jawbone. Dental implants need a healthy environment to thrive, so if signs of worsening decay or gum disease are present, you’ll need additional treatment before your prosthetics can be surgically placed.
Your jawbone also plays an important role in the success of your dental implants. If it lacks density, it may not support your new smile, which can lead to failure. A bone graft can add volume to the area and help keep your implant posts stable once in position.
Finally, while you may have certain health conditions, some are more likely to cause problems than others. For example, autoimmune diseases and diabetes can make dental implants less likely to succeed. By working with your dentist and doctor, however, you can move forward with an effective plan so that dental implants are no longer out of the question.
Treatment Plan: You’ll Review the Path to a New Smile
After the discussions and evaluations are complete, you will receive a personalized treatment plan, which your dentist will review with you. It will explain the different implant options, the steps of the procedure, how long the process will take, and what to expect after surgery. Once you agree to the plan, your dental team will schedule your preliminary procedures or dental implant surgery.
Your dental implant consultation is the first step on your smile journey. Knowing what to expect during this appointment can give you the confidence you need to feel informed, comfortable, and ready for what lies ahead.
About the Author
Dr. Rebecca Long’s gentle approach to dental care makes her a trusted and compassionate dentist patients appreciate. She studied at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and earned her dental doctorate. Since then, she has completed more than 600 hours of continuing education and works closely with local implant specialists to ensure patients with tooth loss receive the superior surgical care they need. If you want to discuss your eligibility for dental implants, visit our website or call us at (512) 328–0155 to schedule a consultation.