Has your dentist suggested getting dental implants for missing teeth? If so, you probably have a lot of important questions running through your head. The feeling can be overwhelming. To ensure that you have all your questions answered prior to treatment, we have put together a list of the 12 questions (and answers) that you should ask your dental provider prior to treatment.
If you still have questions after completing our list, please call The Denture & Implant Clinic today at 020 8629 1226.
Question # 1: What is your experience placing dental implants?
You want a dentist that has years of experience placing dental implants and does the procedure often. An experienced dental surgeon will have the skills and expertise to handle any complications or irregularities with the procedure. The more implants a dentist places, the more equipped they are with the knowledge necessary for a successful outcome.
Question #2: Is your CT Scanner in your office?
A CT Scan is a vital tool in the proper placement of the dental implant. It allows the surgeon a visual into the levels of bone so that the procedure can be done safely. It is best practice for an implant dentist to have this technology in the office.
Question #3: Do you use an on-site lab?
Having an on-site lab allows for all portions of the procedure to be done in a timely manner. It maintains the integrity of the impressions and allows the implant dentist to correct any complications at the time they occur.
Question #4: What are the cons of having dental implants done abroad?
The easiest way to answer this is that you want a dental implant provider that you can follow-up with. If you go abroad to receive dental implants, there are chances that the implant system they use is different and could create long term complications.
Question #5: Do I get to meet the technician creating my new smile?
You want to visit with the technician fabricating your new smile so you can ensure the teeth are the correct size, shape, and color.
Question #6: Are your dental implants guaranteed?
On average, dental implants should be guaranteed for three years. This encourages patients to maintain good oral hygiene and regular check-ups to monitor for signs of gum disease which can affect the longevity of implants.
Question #7: Do you work on difficult implant cases?
The reason you should ask this question is that a dentist who performs complicated implant cases that includes bone grafts, sinus lifts, and other components will have a wide range of knowledge, thus increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Question #8: Do you charge fair prices?
Obviously, everyone wants to make sure they are getting a good deal, but you also get what you pay for. Going for the lowest cost dental implant provider could leave you with troublesome results. Your best bet is to go with a dental implant provider who performs a high volume of procedures and keeps average prices, so you don’t sacrifice on value or quality.
Question #9: How do I take care of dental implants?
Proper cleaning is essential to the lifespan of dental implants. We recommend that patients practice good oral hygiene at home as well as regular visits with a dental hygienist for monitoring. Many implant providers like The Denture & Implant Clinic will offer these visits at no cost to the patient to ensure the success of the implants.
Question #10: I’ve heard about PRGF, do you use that?
Platelet Rich Growth Factor (PRGF) is a revolutionary advancement in medicine that improves the healing process following procedures such as dental implants. The treatment involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood prior to implants. The blood is spun through a centrifuge to isolate the proteins that are used in the body’s natural healing process. This protein is then applied to the area of the dental implants to improve tissue regeneration and makes recovery much more comfortable.
Question #11: How do you help nervous patients?
Major dental procedures can often cause anxiety in certain individuals. While many patients receive dental implants with only local anesthetic, other sedation methods can be very helpful in calming patients nerves and relaxing them for the implant procedure.
Question #12: Do you accept referrals from other dentists
Typically, if an implant dentist is accepting referrals from other providers it means they are regarded as a highly experienced surgeon, indicating a high quality of treatment.
Dental implants are a major procedure, and patients should feel confident in asking their dentist a wide range of questions before making a decision. By going into the appointment prepared with a list of questions, you can ensure there will be a productive dialogue. Any qualified dentist should be happy to answer these and other questions.
If you are considering dental implants, call The Denture & Implant Center at 020 8629 1226. We’re happy to provide you with a free consultation to answer any of your questions.
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