An amazing treatment for people who have some teeth missing or are set to lose them is dental implants. The functionality, feel and look of these implants are closest you could get to natural teeth. But getting dental implants fitted is a surgical treatment that you would have to take extremely seriously. It is important that you be very careful and are aware of 10 things to ask before placing dental implants in Essex so that you can rest assured that you are in the best situation possible for successful outcome.
1) Does the doctor make use of latest computer technology and 3-D x-ray imaging to ensure implant is placed in right location with enough bone?
Not many doctors make use of 3-D imaging for help in placement of implant. The technology of cone beam helps clinicians know the exact location where the implant is to be placed and if the bone is sufficient. There is no room for guesswork.
2) Will the dentist make use of guides or surgical stents?
Proper placement of implant is not much of prosthetic dilemma nowadays as surgical stents are being used. The stents offer communication between restoring dentist and surgeon so that implant is fitted at ideal prosthetic angulation and position. The last thing you want after placement of the implant when it is time to fit the crown is that the position of the implant is incorrect.
3 & 4) How much experience does the doctor have in fitting dental implants? What is the number of implants they have fitted in the course of their career?
Usually, all patients would prefer working with clinicians who are highly skilled and have years of experience before letting them fit dental implants. See to it that you ask the doctor questions about experience, training and number of implants.
5) When does the doctor plan to load implants? Why?
Many doctors would load implants same day. Some might prefer loading them progressively. Others might load them 4 to 6 months later. Every doctor would have a reason for doing this and each would be appropriate as per the situation. This is why you should ask the doctor these questions.
6) What is success rate of the doctor in a span of five and 10 years?
When it comes to dental implants, success rate is very high in majority cases but doctors that do not use latest technology or lack experience tend to have lower success rate. Hence ask for their rate of success for 5 as well as 10 years post-operation.
7) What is the number of surgeries that would be required?
It is important to know in advance the number of surgeries that would be required. In a number of cases it would be beneficial to get second opinion.
8) Would the doctor be restoring the implant?
Many times, doctors place implants and restore them, too. You should inquire about the possibility of this option as well as who would be performing the restoration. Restoration is equally important as placement of implant with respect to long term stability.
9) Would the doctor make use of sedation?
You would be more comfortable with the surgery if you are given oral sedation or intravenous conscious sedation. Ask about the availability of the service.
10) Who is restoring your implant if not your doctor? What rate of success do they boast?
If your dentist is fitting the dental implant but will not be restoring it, question them about experience of doctor who would be doing it. What is ratio of their success? Have they undergone advanced courses?
