Before your implant dentist schedules you for your dental implant procedure, they will need to perform a comprehensive examination of your oral cavity. This is to help make sure that you are a good candidate for this surgical procedure. Here are some tests and procedures to expect at your pre-operative office visit with your dentist.

Imaging Tests And Periodontal Assessment

Before your implant procedure begins, you will get imaging tests so that your implant dentist can evaluate the inside of your oral cavity. Imaging tests such as traditional X-rays and CT scans can reveal the condition of your mouth as well as your jawbones.

Your X-rays will help your dentist determine if your jawbone is healthy enough to support the necessary dental implant hardware. Your X-rays may include bitewing X-rays, a panoramic X-ray, or a combination of both. While these traditional X-rays can provide your dentist the information they need to assess your oral cavity, a CT scan may provide them with better, or more detailed images of your oral structures.

In addition to your imaging tests, your implant dentist will also perform a periodontal examination to assess your gum health. If your examination reveals gum disease, your dentist will need to treat it before your implants are inserted. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which can destroy your jawbone and the bones that will support your titanium rods.

Impressions

In addition to your diagnostic imaging tests and your periodontal examination, your dentist will take dental impressions. The dental impressions will be taken after your X-rays, and during the impression procedure, your dentist will ask you to bite down on a container or tray that is filled with a substance that will eventually solidify into a mold. The molds will help the dental lab technician make customized implants individualized to the shape and size of your mouth.

After your impressions have been taken, your natural teeth will be extracted to make space for your dental implants. Once your gum tissue is completely healed from your tooth extractions, your dental implants will be inserted. 

If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile or correct an uneven bite, make an appointment with an implant dentist. Chipped or missing teeth, as well as a malocclusion, can cause both chewing problems and make you feel self-conscious. So if you want to correct your smile and improve your oral health, consider getting dental implants.

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