Are you ready to join more than 500,000 Americans who are investing in dental implants this year? As the only treatment to mimic both the tooth root and the crown, a dental implant looks and feels natural. A consultation with your dentist is your first step toward a complete smile. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the procedure to ensure dental implants are the best tooth replacement method for you. Here are a few important questions to ask your dentist during your appointment.
Is My Mouth Healthy?
The success of your new smile relies on a healthy foundation. Your implant dentist will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning, like gum inflammation. You must have good oral health to be a candidate for dental implants. Don’t worry if your dentist finds an issue. It’s not uncommon to require a little prep work, like tooth extractions or gum disease treatment.
Will I Need Bone Grafting?
During your consultation, your dentist will also review a CT scan to have a complete picture of your dental health and oral structures. They’ll check the density of your jawbone to ensure it can support dental implants. Bone loss is a common complication of missing teeth, but your dentist can strengthen your jaw with bone grafting. Although bone grafting and dental implants often go hand in hand, not everyone requires the additional procedure.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most reliable method of replacing lost teeth. They have over a 95% success rate for lasting 30 years or longer with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing. You’ll never have to budget for replacements, like when choosing traditional bridges and dentures.
How Long Will It Take?
Treating tooth loss with dental implants won’t happen overnight, but it’s time well-spent to benefit from the next best thing to real teeth. After your consultation and any preparatory procedures, you’ll be scheduled for your placement surgery. Titanium posts are surgically placed into your jaw to serve as new roots. Your bone must fuse to the implants through a process called osseointegration, which can take several months. Once your bone has healed, you’ll have a second minor procedure to attach abutments to your posts. Your dentist will also make an impression of your mouth for your restoration. In a couple of weeks, you’ll return to your dentist to have your new teeth attached to your abutments.
Your dentist will explain everything and address any concerns to help you make an educated decision when replacing your lost teeth.
About Dr. Kevin Grill
Dr. Grill is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles using the latest solutions in dentistry. Since earning his dental degree from The Ohio State University, he has continued his training in various specialties, including oral surgery and dental implants. He has professional memberships with many organizations, including the Ohio Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (937) 954-3006.