Choosing the right dental implant specialist to restore your smile is no easy task, and you want to make sure you pick someone who has the experience and knows what they’re doing. The best way to find a reputable dentist is to ask around, talk to friends, family, and co-workers, or search online for patient reviews and ratings.
A good implant dentist will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns. Based on your personal situation, they’ll offer advice on what type of implants are best for you. They will also explain the entire process, such as how long each procedure takes and any other specific details about the implant process that may be relevant in helping make this decision easier for you!
After looking through online reviews, asking the right questions makes all the difference when choosing a dentist to handle your dental implants. Knowing what these questions are and why they’re important is half of the battle, which is why we’ve assembled this list of essential inquiries to ask your prospective dental implant expert at your consultation.
Not everyone qualifies for dental implants, so it’s important to know that some requirements come with this surgical procedure. Below are some of the minimum qualifications you should meet for this dental procedure.
If you don’t meet the minimum requirements, or you’re not quite ready for dental implants, talk to your dentist about your options. Once your oral health is in good standing, you’ll be ready for the implant procedure.
Not all dentists offer implant dentistry. To place implants, a dentist will need additional education and training in the placement of dental implants. To ensure you receive the best care possible, it’s important that your dentist or oral surgeon has as much training and experience as possible.
Your dentist will customize your dental implant procedure depending on your unique and specific oral care needs. For example, if you’re only replacing a single missing tooth with implants, your treatment plan will remain more streamlined than a patient replacing all your teeth. Here are several key elements to implant treatment planning:
For most patients, having to drive from one location to another for their implant procedure can be an inconvenience. At Sloan Creek Dental, we focus on providing the most convenient dental care possible. That’s why we provide all of our dental implant surgeries and restorations at one location, so you don’t have to visit multiple offices or work with different doctors. Our dental implants are performed by a single experienced surgeon, ensuring the best results possible.
Saving money on dental implants is excellent, but it shouldn’t be your number one priority. When you’re looking for the best price, it’s easy to get hung up on finding a dentist who can do the work cheaply. But here’s what you need to know: “cheaper” doesn’t always mean “better.”
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for a brand-new smile. While they seem like a pretty straightforward procedure—and they can be—it isn’t something you want done by anybody. What may seem like a small difference in quality can mean a world of difference in the long run. Your dental implants might look fine at first, but if they aren’t done right, you might need them replaced sooner than you think.
You’ll want to plan ahead and account for all of the costs you may encounter during your implant treatment. Many dental offices offer third-party lending with 0% down if paid within a specific time period, so you don’t have to worry about covering the entire cost upfront. Some dental offices offer budget-friendly options, such as providing a discount if you pay in advance or pay a portion of the amount before the procedure.
Some people prefer a quicker turnaround for dental implant treatment, but not everyone is a candidate for same-day implants. Ask your dentist if they are experienced in placing immediate implants and new teeth simultaneously. If you’re interested in same-day implants, it’s essential to understand that this procedure has pros and cons, and not everyone qualifies for this procedure. So make sure to talk to your dentist to see whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
We know that getting dental implants is a big deal, and you want to be prepared. That’s why we think it’s important to ask your dentist what you should expect for dental implant surgery preparation—because it can vary from patient to patient. Depending on your treatment plan, a few procedures are common among our patients who need implants. Some patients may require all 3, while others may not need any preparation and will proceed with placing the dental implant.
We understand this is probably a big concern for you because it can be for anyone facing oral surgery. But the good news is: no, it will not hurt as your dentist will offer some type of anesthesia. At Sloan Creek Dental, your comfort is one of our priorities, and we will do everything to make sure that you are relaxed during the process. To make sure you are as comfortable as possible, we offer various anesthetic options for dental implant surgery. You can choose between local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia.
Yes, there are a few temporary side effects after dental implant surgery. You might experience bleeding, swelling, discomfort, and bruising once the implants are placed. This is normal and should subside within a week or two. Your dentist will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts for taking care of yourself after the surgery and some pain medication to manage the pain.
Getting dental implants requires time and patience, but the results are worth it. There are generally three to six months between your initial consultation and the final placement of your dental crown. Your dental implant process may take longer if you need bone grafting surgery. The general approach is as shown below.
When your dental implants are placed, the most important stage of recovery begins. This stage is called osseointegration and is when the jawbone fuses with the titanium implants. The biocompatible nature of the implant allows the bone to grow into it and accept it as a permanent part of the body.
Osseointegration is the key to successful dental implants. Each titanium screw implanted into your jawbone replaces lost tooth roots, providing a stable base for your new crowns and offering ongoing stimulation to the jawbone. Full recovery requires a few months, but you will not experience pain and discomfort as long as you follow your dentist’s post-op recovery instructions carefully to ensure your mouth heals appropriately and avoid further injury. Once your implants have healed, your dentist will attach the crowns. They will look, feel, and function like real natural teeth.
If you’ve been thinking about dental implants, single implant, tooth replacement options, or want more information about your dental implant options, our team would love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We’re here to answer all of your questions and work with you on your dental implant journey from start to finish. This is a big decision, but it will change your life for the better.
To schedule your appointment, contact Sloan Creek Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440.
Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
