Your dental implant consultation is the first step toward completing your smile. When meeting with your dentist to discuss your candidacy, you may have questions but feel uncertain or self-conscious about asking. Trust that your dentist is here to help you feel at ease and address any concerns, so before you arrive for your consultation, here are 3 questions about dental implants you can feel confident asking.
Question #1: Do You Have Any Photos or Case Studies You Can Provide?
Most dentists should be able to provide before-and-after photos or case studies that illustrate how other patients experienced dental implant placement and restoration. Seeing these images and hearing from others can help you become more confident in your decision.
All you need to do is ask your dentist during your consultation. They will likely provide physical materials or direct you to their website, where many professionals upload side-by-side images for interested patients to view.
Question #2: How Long Will Treatment Take?
No two dental implant processes are the same. Some patients may require tooth extraction beforehand, while others may need bone grafting or no additional treatment before surgery.
On average, the start-to-finish treatment can take up to one year to complete. Pre-surgical procedures can add time, especially if they involve bone or tissue healing. Implant placement is usually completed in a single session, and osseointegration typically takes 3-6 months.
Once you receive your custom restoration, you are free to begin using your teeth as normal.
Although the process can be timely, most patients agree it is worth the wait.
Question #3: How Quickly Can I Return to Normal Activities After Surgery?
After your oral surgery is complete, you will need to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. Based on the number of dental implants you received, you may only need to take one or two days off work. However, if you received 4 to 6 implant posts for a full denture, you may need 4 to 5 days of at-home rest.
Each patient recovers differently, but one thing you should avoid is rushing the process. Allowing your gums and bone time to heal fully is essential to prevent dental implant failure. Your posts and bone must fuse through osseointegration, and engaging in physical activity too soon can impede this process.
Make the most of your consultation. After all, it is your smile that you’re placing in the dentist’s hands. Get the answers you need to feel confident in your decision.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Goldberg earned his DDS from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 2017 and completed continuing education courses in dental implant dentistry. To provide a seamless start-to-finish process, he and his team at Queensville Dental want each patient considering dental implants to ask questions and feel confident in their decision to proceed with treatment. If you are preparing for your upcoming consultation and have any questions or concerns, visit our website or call (289) 366-3024 to learn more.