Dental Trends of the Future: Leaving the Past Behind

If you have an interest in getting dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, then you could be hoping that you can schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. However, you should know that you will typically need to undergo an initial evaluation first. As someone who is new to dental implants, you could be wondering what you should expect during this evaluation. Here are something you should anticipate during this evaluation.

Learning More About Dental Implants

You might know that dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth, but you might not actually know much about them. For example, you did you know that a metal socket will need to be put in your jawbone and that the dental implants will be screwed into the metal? Although you might have been doing some research about dental implants yourself — and although there is certainly nothing wrong with doing this research on your own — you should take your time to talk with the dentist about dental implants during your initial evaluation. This will give you a chance to learn and get answers to your questions.

Determining if You're a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are worth consideration for anyone who is missing one or more teeth, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Your dentist will need to check to see if your jawbone is healthy enough for the dental implant procedure, for example. Your dentist will likely also look over your medical records beforehand. This way, they can determine if you are going to need to take antibiotics prior to the procedure or if other preparations might be needed. This way, you will be fully prepared for your dental implant procedure to be done safely and properly.

Taking X-Rays and Impressions

Once you and your dental care professional determine that you are a good candidate for dental implants, it's time for your dentist to start taking additional steps to help you prepare for your dental implant procedure. They might take X-rays of your jawbone and impressions of your teeth, for example. They will also determine what color your dental implants need to be. Generally, most people want their dental implants to blend in with their other teeth. As such, you won't want them to be colored a bright white that might stand out against your other teeth.

For more information about dental implants, contact a dentist.