Who wouldn’t want a full, dazzling smile instead of one filled with gaps? That’s why getting dental implants can be a life-changing decision for so many patients; not only will your new teeth look natural, but they’ll keep your jawbone in shape and allow you to enjoy all of your favorite meals. However, before you can receive dental implants in North Phoenix, you’ll have to confirm you’re a good candidate for the procedure by scheduling a consultation. Here are 4 important things that will happen during this appointment.
1. Performing an Oral Examination
First, your dentist needs to make sure that your mouth is in good health overall; if there’s an infection or another issue, it could lead to implant failure. In addition to the current state of your teeth and gums, they’ll also examine your medical history. They’ll also make sure that there’s enough healthy bone in the area where the implant needs to be placed.
2. Taking X-rays
In most cases, a visual inspection won’t be enough. Your dentist will also need to take X-rays to confirm that your bone structure can support implants. Many modern practices will use CT scans to create a 3D model of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in and near the mouth; this will help with precision during the actual surgery.
3. Exploring the Options
Depending on what’s found during the above examinations, your dentist will lay out the various treatment options you can get. If you’re a potential candidate for implants, a treatment plan will be formed. However, in some cases you might need to get a different kind of restoration, such as a bridge. Remember that it’s your decision in the end, so it’s important to have as much information as possible; don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you might have.
4. Forming a Treatment Plan
Once you’ve decided that you want to go forward with getting dental implants, your dentist will walk you through the entire process. They’ll discuss the length of the treatment, the number of appointments you’ll need to make, the type of sedation available for the surgery, the recovery period, and instructions for aftercare. Some of these details might change depending on the number of implants you’re getting and your overall health; the treatment plan for an All-on-4 procedure, for example, will be different than a plan for getting a single traditional implant.
The consultation is your opportunity to learn as much as possible about dental implants before you commit to them. If there’s some empty space in your mouth that you’ll need to fill in the near future, schedule an appointment with your dentist in North Phoenix today to find out if implants are the answer for you!
About the Dentist
Dr. Reza Jafari established his private Arizona practice in 2005; since then, he’s developed his skills in using different kinds of restorations to give his patients beautiful smiles while making sure they stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible. If you have a missing tooth, you can schedule a dental implant consultation at Dr. Jafari’s practice, Bell Road Dental Care, by visiting his website or calling (602) 404-3483.