I believe, and I hope you’d agree, communication between dentist and patient is of the paramount importance for a good outcome.
With this in mind, I’d like to present an amalgam (If you’ll pardon the pun!) of what a patient should be or will ask ahead of implants.
What To Tell:
Implant dentistry gives teeth that look and feel like your very own.
They also rid you of the embarrassment of loose dentures and enable you to enjoy the simple pleasures of unrestricted eating.
Dental implants give you the confidence to pursue an active business and social life with an attractive, cosmetic smile.
Consider what a plus that would be for you!
The Q&A:
Are dental implants safe and how long do they last?
Today’s dental implants are not only safe, they consistently show success rates of more than 95%.
Implants are one of the most predictable forms of dental treatment and, in most cases, a life-long solution.
Am I suitable?
We will take x-rays to see if you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone.
Disease, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can affect the bone growing onto the implant and will need careful assessment. In general, though, most people are good candidates for implants.
Does it hurt?
A small operation will be necessary, and some patients do experience one or two days of discomfort after the procedure, usually related to stitches.
Is it expensive?
In general, implant treatment is not much more expensive than a bridge or new dentures. The big difference lies with the long term success. Your implants can be with you for the rest of your life.
Should I wait until I’m older?
Conventional dentures usually lead to accelerated bone loss. The ages of implant patients range from early teens to people in their 90’s. The sooner have the implants placed, the less bone loss will occur.
I hope you find this helpful, but more importantly, I hope you have something to add!
If you have a question your implant patients are always asking you, send it in, and I’ll update the list. Soon we’ll have a handy, crowd-sourced Q&A!
Make a submission by leaving a comment here, or you can suggest them on social media:
