A number of factors are considered when planning out your dental implant treatment. This helps ensure success during oral surgery and the recovery process.
Our focus on patients and patient wellness has made Radiance Dentistry one of the leading centers for implant dentistry in the greater Irving, TX area. We always strive to increase the chances of successful dental implant treatment. This often means a focus on planning and proper implant placement.
We’d like to go over some of the basics of planning an implant dentistry treatment. This will give prospective patients a good idea of what to expect from the treatment process. This will also offer patients some insight into what we consider when it comes to implant dentistry.
ASSESSING DENTAL IMPLANT PATIENT CANDIDACY
The first step is the initial consultation. During this consultation, we carefully consider the needs of the patient, the patient’s dental health and general wellness, and whether or not dental implants would be an ideal solution for the patient’s needs. This can involve discussion of the estimated cost of the procedure and alternatives if implant dentistry is not for them.
DETERMINING THE NEED FOR DENTAL IMPLANT BONE OR GUM GRAFTING
During the initial assessment of candidacy, we may find that the patient does not have sufficient bone density or gum tissue density. Both of these hard and soft tissues are crucial for the success of treatment.
If a patient does not have sufficient bone or gum tissue in place, a grafting surgery can be performed. These procedures involve increasing the amount of hard or soft tissue where it may be lacking. Gum and bone grafting surgery may not be for everyone, and it will add a few months to the overall treatment time.
DETERMINING THE IDEAL RESTORATION AND NUMBER OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
The extent of a person’s tooth loss will help determine the kind of implant restoration as well as the number of dental implants to anchor the restoration in place.
Dental implants can be used to fix the following dental appliances
- Dental Implant
- Partial Dentures
- Full Dentures
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Bridges
A single crown only needs one dental implant to anchor it in place. Dental bridges and dentures will require more, with the exact number determined by the position of the dental arch.
FIGURING OUT DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT AND TYPE
There are different types of dental implants to consider, which accounts for the materials used and their placement relative to the jawbone and gum tissue. We can determine during the planning phase whether a patient may benefit more from endosteal dental implants (anchored directly into the jawbone) or subperiosteal dental implants (a metal frame positioned on top of the jawbone and beneath the gum line).
DISCUSSING THE RISKS AND BENEFITS WITH PATIENTS
Throughout the planning phase, we will be sure to answer any questions that a patient may have, which includes a full rundown of risks and benefits as well as information on pre-op and post-op concerns.
Providing straight answers to a patient’s concerns can help the patient make confident decisions when it comes to his or her dental health and overall wellness. This usually translates into successful outcomes and better patient satisfaction.
CONTACT OUR PRACTICE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS
For more information about implant dentistry and how it can restore the health and beauty of your smile, be sure to contact the team at Radiance Dentistry today.