What Happens at a Dental Implant Consultation?

Dental implants are the finest form of tooth replacement available, and they have allowed countless patients to enjoy complete smiles after tooth loss. One of the reasons that these prosthetic devices are so safe and successful is that the process of getting them always begins with a consultation with a dentist to make sure that the patient is a suitable candidate. Here’s a quick overview of what typically happens during this appointment.

You Will Receive an Oral Exam

To be an excellent implant candidate, a patient will need to be in sound oral health and have adequate mass in their jawbones. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of dental implants since it compromises the soft and bone tissues supporting these devices, and thin jawbones may not have enough structure to bond properly with the implant. Your dentist will thoroughly inspect your mouth and review your medical history before recommending the treatment.

You May Need Preliminary Treatments

At their consultations, some patients will learn that they need preliminary treatments before they can receive dental implants. In many cases, this means receiving periodontal therapy to clear up gum disease or bone grafts to reinforce the jawbones. These procedures have allowed many people to become excellent candidates for dental implants, and the surgery to place your prosthetic devices will be scheduled after you have recovered.

Your Dentist Will Design a Treatment Plan

No two dental implant treatments are completely identical. The number of implants needed and the type of restoration that is best for you depends on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your jawbone. For example, a patient missing one tooth may need a single implant with a crown while a patient with several missing teeth in a row may need two implants with a bridge. A patient missing all the teeth in a single arch may need a denture supported by four to six implants.

The consultation stage is an essential step to getting dental implants. Heath conditions like diabetes and cancer can complicate the dental implant process, so be sure to bring these up during your consultation so your dentist can plan your treatment accordingly.

About the Practice

A New Smile offers the finest oral healthcare in Pacoima. Led by Drs. Parham Ramtin, Deborah Termeie, Steven Choi, and Payman Kakoli, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and customer service. Areas of expertise include cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, periodontal therapy, and dental implants. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (818) 897-5771.