Meeting with your dentist about your future smile can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Using dental implants to rebuild an incomplete grin is a decision millions of people have already made. However, just because countless others have achieved success with these prosthetics doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your time learning how they will impact your smile. As you prepare for your dental implant consultation, don’t hesitate to ask these four questions when meeting with your dentist.
What Credentials Do You Have to Place Dental Implants?
Finding someone skilled and experienced in placing dental implants is crucial. Your smile can’t afford to endure a mediocre job, so asking what kind of credentials your dentist has when it comes to dental implant placement and restoration is important.
Inquiring about their training and specialties can help you determine whether you are comfortable with them placing your implants. The Misch International Institute, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and various educational programs, like the Advanced Prosthetic and Surgical Program at Temple University, are all good signs to see on a dentist’s bio.
How Long Will the Entire Process Take?
Each patient is different, so those who require preliminary treatment (i.e., bone grafting, gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, etc.) can expect the start-to-finish process to take up to a year or more. However, the average timeframe is several months to one year.
It can take 1-2 hours to place each implant, so the more you need, the longer you can expect the surgical procedure to take.
What Kind of Payment Options Are Available?
Learning how you will be expected to pay for treatment will help you decide whether to move forward or look elsewhere. Most dental insurance companies will not pay for the surgical placement of dental implants; however, they may agree to pay for other components of treatment, such as the consultation, restoration, or any preliminary treatment.
Finding a dentist who welcomes your dental insurance as well as partners with third-party financiers, like CareCredit and Lending Club, can help ease the financial burden of achieving a new smile.
What Qualifies Me for Dental Implants?
During your initial consultation, you can expect your dentist to review your candidacy for dental implants. They will look at your oral and overall health as well as the density of your jawbone. If everything looks good (i.e., no cavities or gum disease, no existing damage, no autoimmune disorders, no bad lifestyle habits, etc.) and your jawbone appears dense enough to support your implants, you’ll be cleared to move forward.
Don’t let your dental implant consultation go by without asking all your questions. There is no better time to get the information you need to make the right choice for your future smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram earned his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. A skilled general, cosmetic, and implant dentist, he works to build strong relationships with his patients and delivers quality service and care. Dr. Makram regularly treats patients suffering from tooth loss and provides state-of-the-art dental implants in-house so that individuals can feel confident in their smile once again. If you have one or more missing teeth and need help to restore your grin, visit our website or call (239) 513-9990.