Questions to ask your implant dentist

The success of dental implant treatment depends not only on the dentist’s experience, but also on effective communication between the patient and the specialist.  

Many patients come to the dentist with concerns about the pain involved in the procedure, the duration of treatment, the types of implants or the recovery period.  

That is why it is important to ask the right questions and receive clear explanations, so that you can make an informed decision and have confidence in the treatment plan recommended by the implantologist. 

A specialist consultation enables the doctor to assess the patient’s health, plan the surgical procedure and minimise the risks. At the same time, the initial consultation is an opportunity for the patient to gain a better understanding of each stage of the treatment, the risks, the benefits and the available options.

When the implantologist carries out the consultation, they also require imaging tests to provide additional information for planning the appropriate treatment.

By analysing the results of these investigations (digital X-rays and CT scans), the implantologist identifies the exact position of the sinuses and nerves and determines whether or not the patient has sufficient bone for implant placement. 

Once the implantologist has recommended dental implant treatment, it is natural for questions to arise to which the patient needs clear answers.

Below, we provide a list of questions you can ask your dentist, along with answers to help clarify any uncertainties.

What type of implant is right for me?

The type of implant suitable for each patient is determined exclusively by the implantologist following analysis of the CT scan (computed tomography), which indicates the volume and density of the bone.  

“Obviously, the choice of a dental implant is dictated by medical indications, but the patient has the option to choose implants that meet their needs and fulfil a number of criteria, such as the quality of the material, the level of innovation, and the brand that manufactured the implant in question. We make the choice together,” explains Dr Marina Băjinaru, a specialist in dento-alveolar surgery. 

What are the stages of the procedure and how long does the treatment take?

Patients should be aware that every procedure involves a certain number of stages.

In the case of a conventional implant, there are three stages:

• Consultation and assessment of diagnostic tests: The dentist analyses the 3D CT scan and the patient’s overall health, and recommends a series of preparatory procedures, such as treating any cavities or infections and carrying out a professional cleaning.  
• Surgical stage – insertion of the screw and the prosthetic abutment.
• Osteointegration stage (healing).

Are bone grafts or other additional procedures necessary?

The need for a bone graft is not a rule, but depends entirely on the volume of bone or the length of time that has elapsed between the extraction and the insertion of the implant.  

“The implant needs a certain thickness of bone around it to be stable and to withstand the forces of chewing.” – Dr Marina Băjinaru

What are the possible risks and complications?

Although dental implant placement has a success rate of over 95–98 per cent, like any surgical procedure, it involves certain risks. These can be divided into immediate risks (during the operation) and long-term complications.

It is important, however, that the patient knows how to recognise certain warning signs and contact their dentist:

• Pain that does not subside with painkillers after 3–4 days.
• Swelling that gets worse after the first 72 hours.
• Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
• Numbness that persists for more than 12 hours after the operation.

How long does it take to heal completely?

Healing after a dental implant takes place in two distinct stages: gum healing (which is rapid) and osseointegration (fusion with the bone), which takes longer – between 3 and 6 months.

Is the procedure painful, and what pain relief options are available?

Contrary to the fears of many patients, the procedure to insert a dental implant is not painful. In fact, most people who have undergone the procedure say it is less traumatic than a routine tooth extraction.  

When can I return to my normal diet and usual activities?

For the first 24–48 hours after the procedure, only soft foods at room temperature or cold foods are recommended (lukewarm cream soups, purées, smoothies).  

Hot drinks should be avoided, as the heat can dissolve the blood clot and cause bleeding. After that, firmer foods can be gradually reintroduced. 

What is the total cost of the implant and what does it include?

The total cost of a dental implant is actually made up of several components:

• The implant itself (the screw);
• The healing abutment: a small metal component that shapes the gum for 2 weeks;
• The abutment: the connecting element between the implant and the crown;
• The transfer abutment and the implant analogue;
• The final dental crown, which effectively completes the treatment.

Are there payment options or packages available for multiple teeth?

Yes, at DENT ESTET clinics, there is the option to pay in instalments, as well as promotional packages for dental implant treatments.

What guarantees does the clinic offer for dental implants?

Dental implant treatments carried out at DENT ESTET clinics throughout the country are covered by a Quality Assurance Certificate.

What will the final teeth look like?

The final implant-supported tooth is designed to look and feel just like a natural tooth.

How is the long-term durability of implants maintained?

The long-term durability of an implant depends less on the metal it is made of, and more on how the patient looks after its support structure – the bone, to be precise. If the implant is not surrounded by healthy bone, then it will certainly not have a favourable prognosis.

A mouthwash and a toothbrush should be the implant’s best friends. The water jet removes debris from under the crown and between the implants, where the toothbrush cannot reach.