Dental implants involve a significant investment of the patient’s resources and time, and while the devices can last for decades with proper care, it’s important that the patient knows what to expect from the treatment process.
When planning dental implant placement with an oral surgeon, patients should take steps to ensure that they are thoroughly informed about the surgery as well as the recovery period and beyond. Many patients choose to come to the initial consultation with a number of questions for the oral surgeon.
Here are a few questions that you may want to put on your list.
- Am I a good candidate for dental implant placement? (Dental implants require adequate bone tissue to support the osseointegration process in which the jaw forms a bond with the implant surface. Your oral surgeon should be able to advise you if your case meets the criteria for moving forward with implant placement.)
- What is involved in dental implant placement? (You will want to know what to expect from the dental implant placement process. How long will it take, and how does the oral surgeon insert the dental implants into your jaw?)
- What are my sedation options? (Some sort of sedation will make the dental implant placement procedure a much more comfortable experience for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of the options, such as conscious IV sedation or general anesthesia, with your surgeon prior to the procedure.)
- What are the post-operative risks and how can I reduce them? (Patients should be aware of signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of an infection or some other complication. Patients can take steps to minimize the risk of those complications.)
- What can I expect from the healing process? (You should be informed about the expected length of the recovery period and how, if at all, you will need to change your normal routines.)
- When will I get my prosthetic? (Some patients may be eligible for immediate placement of the crown, bridge or prosthetic arch, while others may have to wait a while as they recover from the surgery.)
- Will I need a bone graft? (In cases when there’s insufficient bone tissue present to support dental implants, a bone graft can provide supplemental bone and make the patient eligible for dental implant placement.)
- Will my insurance cover dental implants? (Some dental and medical insurers may offer coverage for a portion of the costs associated with dental implant placement. Our experienced billing staff will work diligently to maximize your benefits.)
Before you get dental implants, develop a list of questions about the procedure and treatment process to ask your oral surgeon. If you are well-informed about your dental implants and how they work, you’ll be better equipped to take good care of them after they’ve been placed in your jaw.
To learn more about treatment with dental implants, contact our skilled team at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas and schedule your informative consultation today.
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