Questions you should ask your dentist prior to an implant

For those who have experienced tooth loss through accident or injury, or who are undergoing a course of cosmetic dentistry, then tooth implants are a remarkable treatment for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants by their very appearance, feel, and how they function, are just about the closest thing you can get to having your real teeth back but it does involve a surgical procedure. As with all surgery, there are a number of questions you need to ask prior to making the decision first of all to go ahead with it, and also to be certain of choosing the right dentist and dental surgeon.

Comprehensive examination

First of all does your implant dentist offer a full and comprehensive examination before diagnosis and treatment? Also how often have they carried out this particular surgical treatment and what are their success rates over the past five years. This is because both implant treatment and technologies have moved on apace so you need to ensure what is their current expertise and whether they are using up-to-date procedures and equipment. You can ask if they have 3D x-ray imaging and the latest computer technology, because this ensures that they can make sure there is sufficient bone in the jaw to hold an implant, as well as place it in the correct location.

The use of stents or guides

When making sure the implant is placed in the right position, ask if they use a stent or guides, because surgical stents allow the implant to be placed in the best prosthetic position. Then when the crown of the tooth is added, it is not in the incorrect place, and this is important because there are usually two professionals involved in this treatment; the surgeon fixing the implant and the dentist carrying out the restoration of the tooth by adding the crown.

Number of surgeries needed

You should also know in advance how many surgeries you will need and what type of sedation is available, as IV-conscious or oral sedation may be more suitable and comfortable for you, so ask if this is available as well. If the dental surgeon has current testimonies and before and after pictures of their work, ask to see them so that you can judge the quality of their work. If they bring someone else in to do the restoration work then you need to ask about their success rate and qualifications to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Quality of the implants

It is really important that the implants the dental surgeon uses are from reputable companies. So ask for the make and manufacturer and then do a little checking online to see if they are a company that has a proven track record. If the organisation offer update courses on the use of their products, then ask your dentist if the surgeon or professional working on your implants has undertaken updated training.

Aftercare service and support

Finally, ask about the aftercare service and support available both from the dental surgeon who undertakes the operation and from your own dentist, as well as any written information they can give prior to the operation. Once you have all the information at your fingertips you will be ready to make an informed decision about having dental implants fitted, which is definitely something to smile about!

Cottesloe Dental in Perth is one of the largest and technologically most advanced dental practices which will be able to address all your concerns and questions about dental implants.