Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implant Consultation Santa Maria, CA
Dental implants are great for patients who want permanent, natural-looking teeth. However, the procedure can cause some to have questions or concerns. The questions patients ask an oral surgeon at their dental implant consultation can give them a better understanding of how implants function and what to expect before, during, and after each placement procedure.
Initial dental implant consultations are available at Wilson Oral Surgery in Santa Maria and the surrounding area. Oral health care is a partnership between practitioners and their patients. Our office is happy to answer patients' questions and concerns about dental implant procedures. Call us at (805) 910-1213 to find out more details about dental implants and to schedule a consultation.
Questions About the Procedure
Understanding how the procedure works can alleviate worries. Patients often want to know how the process will affect their daily lives. One important area to explore is the way the procedure works. Some common questions may include the following:
- How long will the procedure take? While a typical implant placement appointment takes about an hour, this can vary for each patient. The oral surgeon can explain any factors that could make this go faster or slower. In addition, they will detail everything that will occur during the appointment.
- How many appointments are needed? Some patients may be able to receive implants during the same appointment as their tooth extraction. Others may require several visits with a few months between each. Discussing their specific situations can help patients know how to plan ahead.
- Where will the procedure be done? Many implant surgeons perform placement in their offices. However, some patients may need to go to a specialist or have the procedure done in-home. Knowing the location in advance is helpful.
“Patients often want to know how the process will affect their daily lives.”
Questions About the Oral Surgeon’s Credentials
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million Americans have dental implants. As more of these procedures are performed each year, patients considering dental implants want to know they are in good hands. However, understandably, many people do not want to appear as if they are questioning their oral surgeon’s abilities.
Experience is a major part of an implant doctor’s expertise, so a good question to ask is how long they have been in this practice area. Another helpful data point is the rate of successful implant placements. Oral surgeons who perform implant placements may also have received specialized training for this procedure.
“Experience is a major part of an implant doctor’s expertise, so a good question to ask is how long they have been in this practice area.”
Questions About Risks and Complications
Another common concern is the risk of complications or implant failure. According to data found on WebMD, implants have a success rate of up to 98%. The most frequent reasons for failure include smoking and inadequate oral hygiene. There can also be a risk of complications from the procedure, including infection or bleeding at the site. The likelihood of this occurring decreases when patients follow the oral surgeon’s post-procedure care instructions.
Certain medical conditions can also add risks to the procedure. For this reason, it is important to let the oral surgeon know about minor health conditions as well as any supplements or medication one takes. It is also crucial to discuss the patient's risk factors in the implant procedure and ask questions about the common side effects or complications similar patients face. Then, the oral surgeon can develop a custom treatment plan for each individual patient and their oral health needs.
“According to data found on WebMD, implants have a success rate of up to 98%.”
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Questions About Recovery Time
Implant placement typically involves making an incision in the gums and drilling into the jawbone to place the post. Next, the wound is closed with stitches, which may be self-dissolving or require another appointment for removal. Although this is a fairly minor surgery, getting all the information needed to speed healing and recovery is still important.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing infections and other dental problems during this recovery time. Ask the oral surgeon about the appropriately gentle routine to follow. For example, many recommend rinsing with warm salt water and a prescribed periodontal rinse. Patients may also take prescription or over-the-counter medication to manage soreness.
“Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing infections and other dental problems during this recovery time.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can patients get information about a standard dental implant procedure?
Q. What questions can I ask about my oral surgeon’s qualifications?
Q. What are the risks of the dental implant procedure?
Q. What questions should I ask about the recovery period?
People Also Ask
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Q. Is it appropriate to ask about an oral surgeon’s expertise during an initial consultation for dental implants?
A. Oral surgeons understand that patients need to feel secure during this procedure in order for it to be successful. It is fine to want to know more about their qualifications and experience. Patients should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to their oral surgeon during the initial consultation for dental implants.
Q. Do I need to tell the oral surgeon about medical issues like diabetes?
A. It is essential to inform our team of any medical conditions, even if they are minor or manageable. Some conditions can affect dental implant placement even if their relevance does not seem obvious. Therefore, providing complete and accurate information is important for a safe and successful implant placement.
Q. Can the oral surgeon tell me if my insurance covers dental implants?
A. The oral surgeon can provide information as to costs based on an assessment of the patient's specific needs. However, it may be necessary to speak with the insurance company to learn about coverage. It is also possible to request an estimation of coverage for a specific procedure.
Q. What can I do to help my dental implants last a lifetime?
A. Patients should avoid smoking, which is a top cause of implant failure and other oral health problems. A data review published in the Journal of the International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry concludes that ceasing to smoke one week before and two months after placement can increase the likelihood of implant survival. It is also vital to maintain an oral surgeon-recommended dental hygiene routine.
Q. What questions can I ask the oral surgeon about pain management during and after the procedure?
A. Questions to ask at your dental implant consultation should include what pain management techniques and medications will be employed and alternatives if needed. For example, patients with anxiety may benefit from sedation or other options. Over-the-counter or prescription medications may also help manage discomfort following the surgery.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants
The Wilson Oral Surgery has the answers if you have questions to ask at your dental implant consultation. Learn more about the procedure and how implants can help support oral health. Call us at (805) 910-1213 to hear about our dental implant services or to make an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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