Dental Implant Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Dental implants are the perfect solution for some people when it comes to tooth replacement.

However, they are not perfect for everyone and for all situations.

Before you decide on dental implants to restore your smile, there are some questions you should be ready to ask your dentist so that you can be well informed before making the decision to get them.

Implants are more common than ever but they\’re still only one of many solutions so you\’ll need to find out if they\’re right for you.

 

Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants

• Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
• What are the alternatives to dental implants?
• How long will dental implants last?
• What is the dental implant healing process like?
• How much do dental implants cost?

 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

As we mentioned earlier, implants are not the right solutions for everyone. In fact, not everyone is even a candidate for dental implants.

There are some factors that help determine if you are a candidate besides just missing teeth or the need for a tooth extraction. Factors that can affect your potential for implants include medical history, jaw bone density, your age, and whether you are a smoker.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can be a factor in making the decision. They\’re not recommended for young people either.

Your dentist will know about your dental health and will take it and several other factors into consideration. They can determine what\’s right for you.

Related: Are Dental Implants Painful

 

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

Dental implants may not be the best option, but even if they are, they won\’t be the only option.

Your dentist will be able to review and explain other alternatives to you so you can figure out a decision that works for you personally.

Usually, your best alternatives to implants will be dental bridges or dentures. Your dentist can tell you about the benefits of implants over dentures so you know the pros and cons of each. Implants have their own sets of pros and cons as well.

Make sure that if you go with implants that you are making an informed decision.

 

How long will dental implants last?

Ask your dentist how long the dental implants you will be receiving can be expected to last. They could last as few as 20 years or the remainder of your lifetime.

The lifespan of your implants will be dependent on the materials they are made from, the type of placement used and how well you care for the implants. Because of these different potential factors, your dentist will be able to advise you best.

 

What is the dental implant healing process like?

Don\’t forget to ask your dentist about the healing process and how long it can expect to take. You\’ll want to be prepared as best as you can.

Dental implants are a surgical procedure, not a basic dental procedure. You will be sedated in order to have the implant anchor placed into your gums and jaw bone. This involves a healing process afterward.

If you don\’t properly heal, there could be a risk of rejection. Make sure you have spoken with your dentist so you know what steps to take so you can heal properly. How many follow up appointments will be necessary? How much pain can you expect?

Related: How Long Is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

 

How much do dental implants cost?

This is a question we probably won\’t have to remind you of. You will definitely want to know how much your implants are going to cost you. Still, you want to be clear about this answer. The price can vary from patient to patient and dentist to dentist. Your insurance may not cover the entire cost of the procedure so you\’ll definitely want to know what out of pocket costs you will be responsible for.

 

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Want to learn if dental implants are the best option for you?

Contact us today to set up your consultation. Dr. Wilhite is a Plano TX Dentist with over 30 years of experience transforming patients smiles for the better. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.

You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

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