Receiving any dental treatment can be daunting especially when you do not know what to expect. Dental implant treatment is no exception, that is why it is important to know these 4 essential steps before starting treatment.
Regardless of your dental care provider, they will likely follow a similar process when preparing you for dental implants.
1. Comprehensive Dental Examination
With any dental treatment you will start with a dental examination. This is the first step on your journey to dental implants. The dental team will determine the condition of your teeth, oral health, gums, and jawbone.
Images will need to be taken to get a full detailed view of the jaw structure and create an accurate plan for placing the implant.
The dentist will go over your medical history and any existing health conditions. Transparent communication is important for lasting and stunning results; this step is the time to ask any questions you may have so you know what to expect every step of the way.
2. Gum Health Optimization
To have a successful dental implant treatment you will need healthy gums. If you have a serious oral health issue or gum disease then it can affect the effectiveness of your dental implants, leading to complications and compromising the stability of the implants.
If you do have a dental issue that would affect your dental implants then your dentist may recommend scaling, professional cleanings, or other periodontal treatments so that your gums are in the right condition for treatment. Doing so will optimize the longevity, success, and stability of your dental implants.
3. Jawbone Assessment and Augmentation
Your jawbone will play a crucial role in the success of your dental implants. The quality of your jawbone will be examined to check its health and ensure that it can sustain an implant. If the jawbone is not sufficient, then the implant cannot firmly anchor causing an unstable result.
If you need a dental implant to replace an extracted, missing, or knocked-out tooth, then your jawbone will need to be assessed. The dentist will evaluate the thickness and height of the jawbone. They will determine if it can support the implants. If it is determined to be insufficient then a bone graft may be recommended to give the jawbone the necessary strength.
The bone graft will provide a strong foundation for the implant and create a root-like function for your smile.
4. Clear Communication and Treatment Planning
To get the strong and lasting results you desire, you will need to provide your dental team with clear and open communication.
Your dental team should do the same; they will give you step-by-step instructions and let you know what to expect with a detailed treatment plan that outlines the number of visits, the recovery process, and the timeline.
Open communication from your dentist includes the anticipated outcomes, post-operative care instructions, and potential risks. This will help you avoid any surprises so you are fully educated on the situation before deciding to move forward. A realistic quote for the treatment will be provided to you so you can make financial plans as well.
Ready to Start Treatment?
It is important to know the 4 crucial steps of preparing for a dental implant so you not only know what to expect but you can make the decision that is right for you. To prepare for your implant operation, there will be an assessment, treatment planning discussion, and bone graft surgery (if needed).
If you want to complete your smile and receive thorough care, then schedule an appointment with McCullough Dental to get started on your dental implant treatment.