4 Important Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implant Consultation  

Dental implants are a big investment in your smile, self-confidence, and overall health and wellbeing. But they can also be an investment in your wallet, too. Naturally, you want to make sure you’re making the right decisions before choosing this dynamic treatment. Here are four important questions you might want to ask your dentist before you make the choice to get dental implants!

Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

You may have heard people say that dental implants are better than dentures, but maybe you don’t know why. Unlike dentures, dental implants are considered permanent, so there’s no need to worry about taking them out to clean or soak. Furthermore, because they are permanently affixed to your jawbone, your dental implants provide greater biteforce, meaning you can chew a wider variety of nutritious and delicious foods! They even provide adequate stimulation to keep your jawbones from deteriorating.

However, be aware that not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. You may require some preliminary dental procedures before your smile is ready for them, or your dentist may recommend that you opt for dentures instead if the risk of implant failure is too great.

How Successful are Dental Implants?

You may already know that dental implants carry a small risk of failure. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including insufficient jawbone density and a condition called peri-implantitis which is like gum disease. Thankfully, dental implant failure only occurs in about 5 percent of cases; however, your dentist can help assess your risks and provide suggestions to help lower your odds. If you are not believed to be a good candidate, she can also recommend some suitable alternatives that will leave you smiling!

What’s Dental Implant Surgery Recovery Like?

Though recovery from dental implant surgery will likely differ by patient, the importance of following your aftercare instructions will ensure your greatest odds for success. Immediately following your procedure, it is imperative that you rest for at least one or two days and wait at least 48 hours before attempting to eat solid food. Over the coming weeks and months, you can gradually expand your diet, but it is very important to start off slowly.

Most patients complete their dental implant healing process in two to six months, but it could be faster or shorter depending on the individual, and how closely you adhere to your aftercare instructions.

Can I Still Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?

While yes, it is still possible to get dental implants if you’re a smoker (or if you vape, chew, or consume any other type of tobacco products), it is important that you quit at least two weeks prior to your dental implant surgery. Furthermore, you should try to remain tobacco-free for as long as possible after the procedure is completed. Tobacco use can increase your risk of infection and dental implant failure, in addition to being dangerous for your oral and overall health.

Remember, dental implants are a major investment in your smile, and one that shouldn’t be made hastily. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about this life-changing treatment at your upcoming consultation, so you can rest easily knowing that you’ve made the right decision!

About Dr. Shahrestany

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany earned her undergraduate degree at UC Irvine and her dental degree at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Following graduation, she continued to pursue her education and has broadened her knowledge on topics such as Invisalign Clear Braces, Six Month Smiles, extractions, cosmetic dentistry (particularly veneers), and endodontics. She is a current member of the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. To schedule a dental implant consultation with Studio City Dental Arts, please visit our website or call us today at 818-760-0200.