At first glance, a consultation can seem like a waste of time. However, when it comes to a complicated dental treatment like implants, this first appointment is crucial, not only for your dentist to learn your needs and goals but also for you to ask critical questions about your care. What kinds of questions should you ask? Here are bare-bone minimum inquiries you should make!
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
To qualify for dental implants, you need to have an overall healthy mouth without infection, be generally well throughout your body, and have enough jawbone density to support the posts. Even if you don’t see anything wrong when you inspect your own mouth in the mirror, only your dentist can identify whether you meet these requirements. Often, through a visual examination, digital X-rays, and a discussion about your medical history, your dentist can tell if you can consider these replacements.
Are Dental Implants the Best Option for Me?
Although dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, they are not the only choices. For some, dentures are better for them because they will not commit to brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. Or perhaps the patient has osteoporosis, smokes heavily, or struggles with diabetes. In this scenario, dentures may be right. The point is that your dentist will customize your treatment to your needs and goals.
How Much Will My Dental Implants Cost?
With each patient getting a personalized treatment plan, pricing will vary from case to case. Before you start the process, you’ll want to know how much your dental implants will cost and what provisions your dentist offers to make payments easier for you. For instance, you’ll need to know if your dentist accepts dental insurance, takes financing from a credible third party, or has an in-house savings plan. Flexible financing can enable you to pay for treatment over multiple months instead of all at once, which is usually more difficult to manage. In some cases, an in-house plan can include a 15 percent discount on services other than preventive, including implants. Knowing your financial options can help you make a more comfortable decision and give you confidence to move forward.
At your dental implant consultation, you can ask any question you want! Regardless of what you and your dentist need to discuss, you should leave your consultation feeling informed and be able to decide your tooth replacements. Even afterward, your dentist can address your concerns and questions. At every stage, you can get answers and know what’s going on!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Boyles has qualifications you won’t find easily throughout the country, much less in the Midland area. He has achieved Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry, which is something just a small percentage of dentists do. For dental implants and other treatments, Dr. Boyles offers an in-house savings plan, accepts dental insurance, and works with a financing company to make procedures more financially feasible. To schedule your own dental implants consultation, go online or call Boyles General Dentistry & Dental Implant Center in Midland at 432-685-7011.