A guide to your dental implant consultation

This page is awaiting clinical review by Dr. Renuka.

Losing a tooth can affect how you eat, speak and feel about your smile. A dental implant is one option for replacing a missing tooth, but it is not right for everyone. The first consultation is where you and your dentist find out whether an implant may suit you, and what the alternatives are.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that is placed into the jawbone. Over a few months, the bone can bond to its surface. A connector (abutment) and a crown are then attached so that it looks and works like a tooth. Implants can also support bridges or help hold a denture in place.

Before your appointment

• Make a list of any medicines you take, including blood thinners and supplements
• Note any medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart conditions or osteoporosis, and any treatments you have had for them
• Bring any previous dental X-rays or reports, if you have them
• Think about what matters most to you, such as appearance, chewing, time or budget
• Write down your questions so you do not forget them

What your dentist will assess

Your dentist will look at the gap and the teeth around it, check the health of your gums, and ask about your general health and habits. Several factors can affect whether an implant is suitable and how well it heals:

• Bone: there needs to be enough healthy bone to hold the implant. Bone can shrink after a tooth is lost.
• Gum health: active gum disease is usually treated before an implant is placed.
• General health: some conditions and medicines can affect healing and will be discussed.
• Smoking: smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of problems.
• Bite and grinding: heavy grinding can place extra load on implants.

Your dentist may recommend X-rays or a 3D scan to measure the bone and check the position of nearby structures. If there is not enough bone, a bone graft may be suggested before or at the same time as the implant, which can add to the overall treatment time.

Understanding the timeline

Implant treatment is not usually completed in a single visit. After the implant is placed under local anaesthetic, the bone typically needs a few months to heal around it. The final crown is fitted once the implant is stable. In some cases a temporary tooth can be worn during healing, but this depends on your situation.

Talking about alternatives

A good consultation includes a conversation about all reasonable options, not just implants. Depending on your situation, these may include:

• A fixed bridge, supported by the neighbouring teeth
• A removable partial or complete denture
• An implant-supported denture
• Leaving the gap, with an explanation of the possible effects on chewing and neighbouring teeth

Questions you may want to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate, and are there any risks specific to me?
• Will I need a bone graft or any other treatment first?
• How many visits will be involved, and how long will the whole process take?
• What will I have in the gap while it heals?
• How do I care for an implant, and what checkups will I need?
• What are the costs, and what is included? (Please call the clinic to confirm fees.)

After the consultation

You do not need to decide on the day. Take time to think about the information, ask follow-up questions and discuss it with family if you wish. Results vary from person to person, and an honest conversation about expectations is part of good planning.

To arrange an implant consultation, call Dr. Renuka's Dental Care on +91 98881 24232.