Dental implants can give you the smile that you have always wanted. Not only can implants improve your appearance, but they can also correct overbites and underbites (malocclusions) and they can also help prevent jaw pain from improper chewing. Prior to getting your dental implants, you can expect the following interventions to be performed by your dentist at your pre-procedure appointment. 

Medical And Dental History

Before your implant procedure begins, your dentist will take an extensive medical and dental history from you. They may ask you questions concerning preexisting medical conditions, such as degenerative bone diseases, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of the conditions, your dentist may need to consult with your primary care physician because these health disorders can affect your jawbone.

It is essential that your jawbone is healthy because your dentist will be implanting metal rods into your jaw and the healthier your jawbone is, the less likely you will be to develop implant failure. Your dentist will also ask you about any oral symptoms that you may have including persistent toothaches, bleeding gums, dry mouth, a bad taste in your mouth, or drainage coming from your gum tissue. You may also be asked about your use of medications and dietary supplements.

Your dentist will need to know if you take aspirin or prescription anticoagulants because during the implant procedure, your natural teeth will be extracted and if you take anticoagulants or aspirin you may bleed excessively during the procedure. Discontinuing your anticoagulants with the approval of your primary care physician a couple of weeks before your implant procedure will help prevent oral hemorrhage when your dentist is extracting your teeth.

Comprehensive Oral Examination

Your dentist will also perform a comprehensive oral examination prior to your dental implant procedure. They will take a series of X-rays including bitewing images and a panoramic view X-ray which captures images of all of your teeth and your jawbone.

Your oral examination will also include a probing examination of your teeth and gums. Probing examinations refer to dental examinations that are performed with probing instruments, also known as dental instruments that are pointy or sharp. If your oral examination reveals the presence of gingivitis or periodontal disease, you will need to get treatment so that your gums are healthy enough to withstand the implant procedure.

If you are considering getting dental implants, follow your dentist's instructions to ensure that your oral cavity is as healthy as possible. These instructions may include not smoking because smoking can destroy the capillaries in your mouth which can delay the healing process. Good oral hygiene and seeing your dental professional regularly will help ensure a healthy and uneventful recovery following your implant surgery.

Contact a local dentist to learn more about dental implants.