5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to Dental Implants
November 10, 2017
You finally realized it is time to take care of your missing teeth, so you contact your dentist for an appointment to discuss your options. Like most consumers, you have done some homework and discovered that dental implants in Naperville, IL, are the gold standard in terms of permanent natural tooth replacements. Still, you want to make sure you go to your dental consultation with the right questions in hand.
Although you will absolutely want to ask every question that pertains to your situation, the following five are some of the most important:
- What kind of specialized dental implant placement training and certifications do you have?
A well-trained dentist should have some specialized training in implant dentistry above and beyond their dental degree. At our office, Dr. Kaz Zymantas is board certified with the American Board of Oral Implantology, attended a year-long program in implant dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia and received training in advanced dental implant and grafting protocols from well-respected facilities.
- How many dental implants have you placed? How many do you place in a year?
You are not looking for a specific number here, although “thousands” should be part of the response, but rather an indication that your dentist is well-versed in placing dental implants. The more often he surgically places dental implants, the more likely he is to be skilled in the area.
- Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
This inquiry helps you determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you, rather than other solutions such as bridges or dentures. The good news is that even if you lack the bone density to have dental implants today, your dentist may be able to perform grafting procedures so you can enjoy dental implants later.
- How long will the process take?
Again, this question helps you get a clearer sense of what is involved. Even if you have immediate-load implant supported appliances, you can expect your body to heal for many weeks or months after implants are surgically placed under the gum line. You will want to know what to expect from your dentist to map out a successful recovery period.
- What type of high-tech equipment do you use?
In today’s world, any dentist placing dental implants in Naperville, IL, should be utilizing the most advanced tools, methods and equipment on the market. This includes machinery that relies on software-driven imaging to precisely guide placement positioning. Have your dental provider show you what you can expect at his office.
Want an individualized explanation of how dental implants may help you achieve your oral hygiene, function and appearance goals? Contact our office to schedule your appointment today.