Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost due to severe decay, trauma or the natural aging process. If you have a missing tooth, gaps in your teeth or a damaged tooth that needs replacing, dental implants might be right for you.

If you’re considering dental implants, here are some of the questions you should bring up with your dentist during your next check-up.

Why Should I Get Dental Implants?

First and foremost, you should ask your dentist to talk you through what dental implants are and why they’re beneficial. You only want to receive and pay for a dental service that you actually need, so make sure you ask the necessary questions about your specific dental needs and how dental implants are a viable solution for you. Most of the time, dentists will suggest dental implants in order to replace missing or extremely damaged teeth. Ask your dentist how dental implants can benefit you and why they’re a better option than the likes of veneers or bonding.

Is This Going to Hurt?

This is a particularly important question if you’re generally a nervous dental patient. Ask your dentist about what the process specifically involves and how uncomfortable the operation is likely to make you feel. Dental implants are performed under local anesthetic or through sedation, meaning the actual procedure won’t be too painful. However, you should ask for the dentist to talk you through your recovery process in regards to your own specific condition and how many dental implants you need.

Are You Experienced in Dental Implants?

It can feel a little awkward to ask a dentist for their qualifications or insight into their professional history. However, this is a hugely important question to ask when choosing a dentist for dental implants. As the procedure can be complex to perform, you want to know that you’re in the hands of a reputable, established and experienced dentist, with the necessary dental exposure needed to ensure a good outcome. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their past patients or even for photographs of successful procedures.

How Do I Maintain My Dental Implants?

Dental implants don’t necessarily need too much maintenance and can more or less be treated like your own natural teeth once they’re surgically attached to your jaw bone. However, it’s still important that you keep up with regular and routine visits to your dentist once your dental implants are securely connected – especially if you’ve replaced a tooth that was missing or damaged due to severe decay. The best way to achieve peak dental health is with the assistant of a dentist.

How Do I Prepare for Dental Implants, and What Comes Next?

Every dental implant operation is different, so each person that receives dental implants will need to prepare in various ways. For example, there are instances in which your dentist will need to perform a bone grafting procedure to properly prepare you for the implant. Ask specifically about how to prepare on the day of your procedure. What can you eat? Should you take the entire day off? It’s generally recommended that you don’t drive once you’ve been sedated. You should also double check with your dentist about how long recovery will take and what kind of down time might be involved.