(Newswire.net — April 3, 2016) — Do you need a dental implant dentist? Have you wondered how to find one that meets your needs and offers the level of service and care that you need? We’ve got twelve questions you need to ask before you decide, right here.
1. What treatment options to you use to restore missing teeth?
Dentistry, and particularly restorative dentistry, should never be a one size fits all proposition. You want to find a dentist who offers several different treatment options, tailored to your needs. Elevate Dental in Richmond is a practice committed to providing personalized care.
2. How many dental implant procedures have you performed?
Ideally, you want to work with a dentist or practice that has a large number of procedures completed. Dental implants are a complex procedure, and not one that you want to trust to a novice.
3. What’s your success rate?
Its not realistic for a dentist to give you his success rate due to the different factors involved with each patient. This is not a realistic question.
4. What’s your education and training in dental treatment?
When selecting a dentist to perform implants, you want to be sure that they have the education and training necessary to perform the procedure safely and properly. Make sure that your dentist has specialized training in this type of dental work.
5. Which technique and type of replacement teeth or appliance do you recommend for me, and why?
A good restorative dentist will not take a guess when answering this type of question. They may provide you with a range of options, but until they have examined your case in depth, they won’t give you a definitive recommendation. When they do, they may give you more than one option.
6. What steps are involved in the process and where and by whom are they performed?
The implant process starts with an assessment, which may include visual examination, x-rays and impressions. A treatment plan is then drawn up, and will be discussed with you. Any implants or bridgework is them manufactured, and finally, they are implanted.
7. What should I expect throughout the process in terms of pain, recovery time, eating, etc.?
The recovery from dental implant surgery is actually relatively quick, with most patients making a full recovery within a few days. You will be required to bite down on a gauze pad for a while after surgery. You may experience mild bleeding for 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and there may be some swelling. You will also be warned not to smoke, as this can make the risk of dry socket (a painful post surgical condition), and you will be advised to use salt rinses or medicated mouthwash after surgery, and how to do so.
8. Will I have teeth throughout the process?
It’s hard to say whether you will have teeth throughout the process, because there are different options for implants. In some cases, the process will be a multi stage procedure, which may mean some time for the implant base to heal in place. In other cases, a single stage process may be used, which would mean that the implant is placed in one operation. If this is a concern, discuss this with your dentist, and find out what your individual treatment plan is.
9. What type of anesthesia do you use?
Dental implants may be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Typically, less complex cases or single implants can be done using local anesthesia, but where many teeth are being replaced, or where pain or discomfort is expected, general anesthesia may be preferred.
10. What are the risks of the treatment option you’re recommending?
Every type of surgery carries risks, and dental implants are no different. There will be risks associated with the surgery and anesthesia itself, as well as risks of infection after the procedure, or conditions like dry socket. Your dentist will discuss all of these risks, as well as any that are specific to your case, during the initial consultations. If you have specific concerns, make sure you ask them all!
11. What are the benefits?
Dental implants have esthetic and functional benefits. If you have had missing teeth, they can increase your confidence and improve your appearance. If your teeth are in bad shape and cannot be repaired, they can ensure that you continue to have normal appearance and function. Unlike dentures, there’s also very little maintenance required, and you will continue to brush and care for your teeth as normal.
12. Can you share before-and-after pictures of other patients you have treated?
Every good cosmetic or restorative dentist will have before and after pictures of their patients, and they should be willing to show you those pictures. Be sure to ask for those while you’re investigating options, and check reviews and other information online and off at the same time. A good dentist will have a good reputation!
If you ask these twelve questions before deciding on dental implants, you should find that you have a trouble free, great experience.