What are the first steps when considering dental implants?

What are the first steps when considering dental implants?

dental implants HenricoPatients who are considering dental implants may not be familiar with the treatment process. If you are interested in this intervention, it’s helpful to know how to get started and what to expect from the earliest stages of treatment.

The first step to take is to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon who can determine if dental implants are appropriate in your case. Patients who are interested in dental implants are encouraged to contact our office to set up this appointment.

The Dental Implant Treatment Process

The dental implant treatment process begins with a consultation with an oral surgeon. These specialists are well-suited to provide dental implants because implant placement requires a surgical procedure, along with extensive knowledge of the structure of the jaw.

At the initial consultation, the surgeon will assess certain patient characteristics needed for successful dental implant placement. If the patient meets the eligibility requirements, then they can move on to the next step.

In some cases, patients may not be initially suitable for dental implant placement unless they undergo a preliminary bone graft to supplement available bone tissue at the implant site. Your surgeon will advise you whether this is necessary in your case.

What To Expect From A Dental Implant Consultation

At the initial consultation, your surgeon is primarily focused on gathering the information needed to evaluate your case. A dental implant consultation is a straightforward and brief appointment, and it should not result in any discomfort for the patient.

The surgeon will visually examine the implant site to look for any potential issues like infection or active gum disease that can complicate healing after the implants are placed. Imaging will also be taken to evaluate the integrity of bone at the implant site and the likelihood that osseointegration will be completed.

If the evaluation determines that you are likely to experience success with dental implants, you can proceed with scheduling implant placement. If you will need a bone graft prior to implant placement, that can be scheduled, too.

To learn more about the first steps in getting dental implants, contact Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery to schedule your initial consultation.