Questions to ask for implants

[tazey]

So I have made an appointment next wk with my consultant which I guess will be the last time I see him before the op (if it happens). I'm sure I could think of a million questions but what are the important ones/things I need to know? I'm aiming that at dentists or people who've had it done.

 

[letsconnect]

It might be helpful to describe what your understanding is of what is going to happen. How many implants have been proposed for the bottom and for the top? Are they implant-supported overdentures or implant-supported fixed dentures?

Some additional information would help others with answering your question.

 

[tazey]

Well he said briefly 12 implants+they will be fixed but the first stage needs to happen so that will have to heal before anythings fixed.

 

[comfortdentist]

What is the goal for the final prosthesis?
metal/Plastic based
Zirconia
metal/zirconia
metal with custom milled individual crowns
cement or screw retained

 

[tazey]

That I would have to ask.

 

[Judythecat]

I would want to ask what the likely success rate of the procedure was, and also to see examples of the person’s previous patients’ work.

I have never had implants, but in any dental situation where I am not sure I always ask “if this was your tooth, what would you choose?” - for example when I needed a root canal on a molar and my dentist said she could do it, or refer me to a specialist, which was going to cost a fortune. She said see the specialist, and I am glad I went with that - although I bet she would have got mates-rates!

 

[tazey]

I've always said I'd want to see pics of similar cases but I've no idea if that's possible.

 

[comfortdentist]

I've always said I'd want to see pics of similar cases but I've no idea if that's possible.

Sounds reasonable.

 

[letsconnect]

A major factor in the long term success of implants it that you can clean them very well, so finding out about what is required in terms of hygiene would be a good idea.

Also I'm wondering, seeing how these implants are provided on the NHS, what the aftercare arrangements will be - what happens if an implant fails, or if any parts need to be replaced? What about the regular cleanings you will require? Will this be covered by the NHS, or would you have to pay for this yourself? These are all questions which you may want to clarify before making your decision.

 

[Scared all the time]

I would ask all those questions mentioned above along with seeing any pictures of previous work done I’d also ask what if you didn’t like the final product what they would do to satisfy you and make you walk out feeling happy with them. I’d also make sure it was somewhere in writing about that, then making sure they did any and everything possible is securing your happiness in the final results. Just because your on a fixed income and can’t afford a private practice shouldn’t mean you settle any less for awesome results I truly wish you the best in the journey. Don’t be bullied into something you aren’t happy with.

 

[tazey]

A major factor in the long term success of implants it that you can clean them very well, so finding out about what is required in terms of hygiene would be a good idea.

Also I'm wondering, seeing how these implants are provided on the NHS, what the aftercare arrangements will be - what happens if an implant fails, or if any parts need to be replaced? What about the regular cleanings you will require? Will this be covered by the NHS, or would you have to pay for this yourself? These are all questions which you may want to clarify before making your decision.

regular cleanings would be done by my dentist,like I said not really a decision it has to be done either way.