Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implants Consultation Chapel Hill, NC

What to Expect the Day of the Procedure

Preparing for dental implant surgery is one of the primary focuses in the early stages of the implant process. Knowing what questions to ask at your dental implant consultation about the preparation process allows patients to feel more comfortable and relaxed on the day of the procedure.

Where will the placement procedure take place?

Some dentists are capable of carrying out the implant placement surgery, whereas many others may refer the patient to an oral surgery specialist instead. Depending on who performs the operation, the procedure might take place in the dental office or at a specialist’s office. To eliminate surprises, it is important to ask about this information during the consultation.

What is the typical length of the placement procedure?

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the dental implant process can take anywhere from several months to two years from beginning to completion. However, the length of time for the placement procedure varies and depends on a variety of factors (location of the implant, number of implants, etc.). The placement of the implant is completed in one session, and the patient is able to return home on the same day in almost every instance.

Post-Procedure Care and Adjusting to Normal Life

The post-surgery process is the most anxiety-ridden step in the process for many patients as there is likely to be some discomfort, especially the first couple of days. There are certain questions to ask during the consultation visit to learn about recovery and adjusting to normal life.

What should I expect post-procedure?

Be sure to ask about the expectations following implant placement. Mild to moderate discomfort is common after the surgical process of placing an implant into the jawbone. Also, the patient can expect gum swelling, mild bleeding, and increased sensitivity. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the dentist to ensure a proper recovery.

How quickly can I return to normal life?

Talk to your dentist about how long you should rest before returning to normal activity and a normal diet. Most patients experience swelling and tenderness for up to a week after implant placement, although a full recovery may take much longer.

Risks Associated with Dental Implants

We encourage patients to play an active role in their own health and safety. It is important to ask questions about the risks associated with any procedure, no matter how safe it may be. There are several health conditions that can complicate dental implant treatment, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, diabetes, gum disease, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. It may also affect those who take certain medications, those who smoke, and those undergoing chemotherapy or head and neck radiation.

To fully understand your risk factors, we encourage asking questions such as:

• Will any of the medications I take interfere or affect dental implant treatment?
• Will my condition affect the implant procedure?
• What are the most common risks associated with dental implant surgery?
• Can the complications that arise be reversed?
• How safe are dental implants for my current health?
• What are the advantages of undergoing implant treatment for my case?
• Are there any side effects associated with dental implants?
• If I do experience side effects, what should I do?
• What are alternative treatments for those with high risk factors for dental implants?

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Dental implant procedures require follow-up visits to ensure complications do not develop after placement. It is helpful to ask about the expected follow-up visits to properly clear your schedule in advance and ensure you are available for routine check-ups. The consultation appointment typically involves a treatment plan that consists of both the treatment itself and subsequent follow-ups thereafter.

Follow-up visits are crucial for recovery as they allow both the patient and Community Smiles to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments as needed. It is also important for the stability and durability of the implants themselves. Follow-up visits may be required monthly, but once the patient has successfully healed, the implants may be checked every six months during their biannual dental checkup. As each case varies, we will schedule follow-ups accordingly.

It may also be advisable to ask questions about the recovery period and what it would entail as each patient’s treatment varies. There may be individualized instructions for the patient along with general instructions for post-treatment care. You may come up with questions about the recovery period as Community Smiles discusses these instructions, but we encourage patients to come up with a few prior to treatment, especially questions regarding their own personal lifestyle habits.