I’m considering dental implants, what questions should I ask my oral surgeon?

I’m considering dental implants, what questions should I ask my oral surgeon?

dental implant CharlottesvilleCongratulations on your decision to consider dental implants as a solution for your tooth loss! This state-of-the-art technology offers the most structurally complete tooth replacement available, and it is becoming an increasingly popular among many patients who have suffered tooth loss. When you are weighing your treatment options, it’s important to know what information you need to make your decision. Here are a few questions that you should ask your oral surgeon if you are considering dental implants.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants offer a number of benefits to patients, but only if they are used in the proper circumstances. In order to maximize the functionality and lifespan of your dental implants, you must have enough bone to support the osseointegration process. Your oral surgeon can tell you whether bone loss might be a threat to the stability of dental implants in your case, and, if so, what other treatments (like bone grafts) can help to make you a better candidate.

What can I expect from the procedure and the recovery period?

The implant placement procedure differs from patient to patient based on certain characteristics of the specific case. The surgeon can give you an idea of what to prepare for, as well as steps that you can take to reduce your risk of post-operative complications.

How do dental implants compare and contrast with other interventions for tooth loss?

Dental implants are the only structurally complete replacement tooth. Therefore, they function more like a biological tooth than a denture or bridge would. They’re more effective at chewing and they secure the jawbone and prevent its erosion, unlike the alternatives.

How much will my dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants will vary from patient to patient and will include things like imaging, additional procedures, etc. Your surgeon can give you more specifics on this and educate you on financing options. When considering the cost of dental implants vs. other appliances, it’s important to think about the long-term costs of all of the treatments in addition to the initial expense.

If you are thinking about getting dental implants to replace a missing tooth, schedule an initial consultation at our office to get answers to these questions, as well as any others you may have. We want to help you make a fully informed treatment decision here at Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center.