If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for reliable replacements, you might benefit from getting dental implants. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they are embedded in your jawbone for added strength and security.
Although many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to restore your smile after tooth loss, that doesn’t mean they’re always the best option for everyone’s unique circumstances. You must consult your dentist before proceeding, which is an excellent time to ask any pressing questions you might have about this treatment. If you’re unsure what to ask, continue reading to learn 3 helpful inquiries!
Question #1: How Experienced Are You with This Procedure?
All dentists must meet certain standards to be licensed to practice, but they don’t all have the same levels of experience with specific treatments. For instance, some providers focus on general care and prevention, while others undergo specialized training to perform oral surgeries.
Because dental implants involve an invasive procedure, it’s only natural to want to find someone with plenty of experience. You can ask your dentist if they have completed continuing education or certification courses for dental implants and whether they have the technology to perform the procedure in the office to help guide your decision-making process.
Question #2: Am I A Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Potentially, anyone who has lost one or several teeth can benefit from these replacements, but not everyone is a great candidate to undergo the surgery. First, your dentist will need to update your medical history and list any current medications or supplements that you take to ensure they don’t do anything that could harm your general health.
Also, you must have a sufficiently strong jawbone to support your new teeth, so your provider will likely take images or scans to measure its density. They’ll also examine your mouth to look for any signs of cavities or gum disease that could negatively impact your implant. If they find any areas of concern, they’ll provide additional treatments like fillings, gum disease therapy, or an additional bone graft to bulk up your jaw to continue.
Question #3: How Long Does it Take to Get Dental Implants?
Many patients don’t realize that getting dental implants typically takes multiple appointments over several months to complete the process from start to finish. This is because it can take about three to six months for your jawbone to fuse with the metal support rod via osseointegration. Then, once you’ve recovered sufficiently, your dentist can place your dental crown or other customized restoration to close the gaps in your grin.
If you’re concerned that your questions might offend your dentist, don’t be! They likely want you to feel as confident and comfortable moving forward as possible and are happy to answer as many questions as you need to feel at ease.
About the Practice
Patients at Jacksonville Dental Excellence benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo eager to help improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Drs. Ryan and Rose Johnson collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including dental implants. They combine in-depth training with state-of-the-art technology to place and restore your new teeth in the office for a more streamlined experience. If you want to rebuild your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 895-4536.