If you’re ready to join over 500,000 Americans who are investing in dental implants this year, you’re making an excellent decision. A dental implant is the only treatment to mimic both the tooth root and the crown, providing results that look and feel natural. A consultation with your implant dentist is your first step toward a complete smile. Here are 4 important questions to ask your dentist during your implant consultation.
1. Do You Place Dental Implants In-House?
Not everybody performs the entire dental implant process in-house. It’s not uncommon to be referred to another dentist or an oral surgeon for your placement surgery, which can increase the cost and extend your timeline.
A dentist who has undergone advanced training can offer both the placement surgery and restoration phase in-house to save time and money.
2. Is My Mouth Healthy?
Most people with good oral health and wellness are candidates for dental implants if they have one or more missing teeth. You cannot have any untreated dental problems before your placement surgery. Your dentist will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning, like gum inflammation. It’s not uncommon to require a little prep work before getting your dental implants, like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions.
3. Will I Require Bone Grafting?
Many patients require bone grafting before getting dental implants because missing teeth cause bone loss in your jaw. If you’ve lost bone density, your jaw won’t be strong enough to support your dental implants, which will cause them to fail. Your implant dentist will review a CT scan to ensure your jaw is healthy. If it’s not, your dentist will recommend bone grafting before your placement surgery.
4. Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Dental implants are the most cost-effective solution because they can last for decades, so you’ll never have to budget for replacements. You can pay for dental implants over time because the process involves several steps, each with separate fees. You will not have to pay for them in one lump sum.
Your dental insurance may also lower the cost of certain steps in your treatment, like your consultation, preparatory procedures, or your restoration. You can pay any remaining balance using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist any questions you might have. They’ll explain everything, so you know exactly what to expect on the road ahead.
About Dr. Michael Young
Dr. Young achieved his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. He regularly continues his training to provide the latest solutions in dentistry, including dental implants, oral surgery, and bone grafting. Dr. Young is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the International College of Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (586) 217-3003.