Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality after tooth loss because of their many unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these replacement teeth are surgically embedded directly into your jawbone for added strength and stability.
However, they’re also the only option that involve oral surgery, so you must consult your dentist before proceeding so they can determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you’re nervous about your upcoming appointment, continue reading to learn what to expect!
Step #1: Discussion & Exam
The first thing your dental team will do is update your medical history and list any current prescriptions or supplements you’re taking to avoid doing anything that might interfere with your general health. Then, they’ll take the time to discuss your oral concerns and goals before examining your mouth.
If they find any pre-existing problems that might interfere with your restorations, like tooth decay or gum disease, they’ll need to treat those before approving your procedure.
Step #2: Imaging & Evaluation
Next, your dentist will likely take X-rays or other images and scans to create a comprehensive picture of your current dental condition. They must also measure your jawbone to ensure that it’s sufficiently dense to support your new teeth. If it’s too thin, your mouth might be unable to generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the support rod of your implant. This can significantly increase the likelihood of failure.
If your jaw is too frail to schedule the procedure immediately, don’t lose hope. In some cases, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough to serve as a firm foundation for your replacement teeth.
Step #3: Treatment Plan
After your dentist has analyzed the images and scans and have measured your jawbone density, they can provide a treatment plan based on their findings. For example, if you only have a single tooth to replace, they might recommend capping the support rod with a dental crown to close the gap in your grin. Those who are missing multiple teeth might require an implant supported bridge or dentures.
They’ll also share information about what to expect from your procedure, how to prepare in advance, what to expect from recovery, and how long they expect the process to take from start to finish.
Most dentists also give you plenty of time to ask any additional questions you may have so that you feel completely confident and comfortable moving forward!
About the Practice
At Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill, you and your family benefit from a team of dentist passionate about helping patients build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. Dr. Coombs, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Sourlis share decades of combined experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including dental implants. They partner with local specialists to ensure accurate placement, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide comfortable, lifelike restorations intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (803) 324-5301.