Dental implants are a highly popular method to replace missing teeth because they provide unique advantages over other choices like dental bridges or dentures. Before you can proceed with this highly sought treatment, however, you must first have a consultation dentist with your appointment. They must examine your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, first. Not only that, but they’ll need to gather information about your medical history and as well as answer any questions that you have. If you’re not sure what inquiries to make, keep reading to learn 3 things to ask before you move forward with dental implants!

Question #1: What Is Your Experience with This Procedure?

You might worry that you’ll insult your dentist by asking this one, but don’t worry, they’re happy to share with you their qualifications. Some have years of training and have performed countless procedures, while others may be newer and only have a few instances under their belt. When it comes to surgery, you’ll want to know that you’re in good hands. You can find out what their education has been, how long they’ve been offering this service, and what their success rate is with it. Their answers can increase your confidence in their abilities and give you some well-deserved peace of mind.

Question #2: What Should I Expect the Day of My Appointment?

We tend to worry more about what we don’t know, and many patients aren’t sure what to anticipate when they arrive for their big day which increases their anxiety about it. Your dentist can walk you through the specifics of what will happen, what tools they intend to use, and how long they expect the surgery to take. You can also ask about what anesthesia or sedatives they plan to use, especially if you tend to get scared while in the dentist’s chair. They’ll want you to feel comfortable and calm and are happy to provide as much information as it takes.

Question #3: How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Getting dental implants is a surgery like any other that has a possible risk of infection, so your dentist will provide special instructions for you to follow to properly care for yourself afterward. You may need to follow certain dietary restrictions, like sticking to soft foods and avoiding straws or hot fluids, for example. You also need to be aware of what symptoms are normal while you heal, like mild swelling, bleeding, and discomfort for a few days. That way if you experience something unusual, like consistent pain that doesn’t fade, your dentist can help you figure out what’s going on.

Feel free to ask about anything else you want to know that will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of getting your dental implants!

About the Author

Dr. Arindam Kakkar has provided high-quality care to thousands of patients to positively impact their oral health, including dental implants. He graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry and has since spent hundreds of hours on continuing education to stay on top of new advancements in dental technology and treatments. He’s specifically trained in both the surgical placement of dental implants as well as in creating your restoration, minimizing a need for outside providers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (908) 850-0005.