Every visit to the dentist can feel a little intimidating, and a consultation for All-on-4 dentures in Vista, CA, is no different. This is especially true if you’re visiting the dental office for the first time or you tend to feel anxious before medical appointments in general. Fear of the unknown is one of the major drivers of dental anxiety, so we’ve decided to introduce much-needed familiarity in today’s post. We’ll outline the process to help our patients shed the stress from the unexpected.
If you’re one of those who’ve been putting off a visit to our office because you’re afraid of what happens behind the scenes, today’s article is the best way to become familiar with the process and what you can expect from the leading specialists in our cutting-edge dental clinic. Let’s see what happens when you walk through our door for your initial consultation.
How much do dentist consultations cost?
While a typical dental implant consultation cost usually ranges between $80 and $400, at Temecula Center for Dental Implants, you’ll get one completely FREE. Some dental clinics bundle the cost into a patient exam or just add it to the final bill without mentioning it from the start. We, on the other hand, believe in full transparency and offer all our new patients free initial evaluations to get the process started professionally and without delay.
How long does a dental consultation take?
Ok, now that we’ve addressed the consultation fee, or lack thereof in our case, it’s time to move on to the All-on-4 consultation timeline and the next steps. Most evaluations take around 30 minutes, but they can extend to a full hour, depending on the case and the patient’s medical history. Consultations for dental implants typically include 3D imaging, diagnostics, and a discussion with the patient. X-rays or a cone beam scan can add to the overall consultation timeline. Keep in mind that your assessment may take longer if you have gum concerns or a complex medical history.
What happens during an implant consultation?
The whole point of your initial visit is to get to know your medical record and learn about your dental health history, so we can determine whether you’re the right candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. The more we know about your condition, the better we’re able to match the right treatment plan with your needs. We create personalized plans based on the specific condition of our patients, so getting to know you is a crucial part of matching you with the right treatment procedure.
Below is what you can expect, step by step:
1. Thorough examination of teeth, gums & bone structure
We start with a hands-on evaluation of your oral health. It’s not enough to look at gaps where your teeth are missing. We have to check the nearby tissue and teeth, inspect your bite, and look for signs of inflammation, gum disease, or infection. Bone structure is also important because All-on-4 implants go directly into the jaw, so we have to make sure you have enough bone density to support the procedure.
2. Detailed X-ray & cone beam scan
Once we’ve gotten to know your oral health, it’s time to take a look at how things stand underneath the surface. X-rays will show your teeth roots, bone density, and potential hidden issues like infections. A cone beam CT scan provides a detailed 3D image of your oral anatomy, helping us plan precise implant placement. CT scans provide greater detail, enabling us to plan a guided placement and avoid critical anatomical structures like nerves and sinuses during implantation.
3. One-on-one talk about your medical record
Since All-on-4 treatment is a surgical procedure, we need to know more about your overall health and medical history. This helps us understand how your body will heal, detect any potential infection risks, and plan a safe surgical procedure. Dental history is important too. Past gum disease, frequent cavities, teeth grinding, and previous dental work will all influence how you respond to treatment and the best way to proceed. All this information helps us plan and create a treatment plan that minimizes the risk of complications and leads to a smooth recovery.
4. Talk about the ongoing treatments & meds
This is one step that some underestimate, but we never take lightly. Certain medications can affect bleeding and healing, so we need to have a full picture of any treatment you’re currently taking. For example, if you’re on blood thinners, we’ll need to consult your physician. Some osteoporosis medications can influence bone healing, which is a big part of successful dental implantation. Don’t forget to mention supplements or any other over-the-counter products you’re taking because they can matter too.
5. Address your questions & fears
If you feel anxiety about All-on-4 implants and dental procedures in general, or need some questions answered, now is the time to open up to our team. We prioritize patients’ comfort at our clinic, so we’ll do everything we can to make you feel at ease at Temecula Center for Dental Implants. We’ll outline sedation options, talk you through the after-surgical procedures, and introduce the basics of aftercare.
6. Help you make an informed decision
We want to place all the information you need to make the best treatment choice, which not only addresses your immediate issues but takes your long-term wellbeing into account. We’ll discuss the All-on-4 treatment, what makes you a good candidate, and why we think it’s the best option for you. Once we have your All-on-4 treatment plan explained, we’ll delve into finer details, including the number of visits, the overall treatment duration, and potential risks in your case, to help you get the full picture of the process you’re embarking on.
7. A look at the aftercare & recovery
While most people only want to know how long the recovery takes and what they can eat, we’ll make sure to explore your aftercare in greater detail. We’ll address the first few days after surgery, introduce the basics of osseointegration, and tell you how to manage swelling, pain, and what to do in case of bleeding. Our specialists will also give you instructions on oral hygiene, which activities to avoid and for how long, and talk about the diet and foods that are recommended to avoid exerting pressure on the surgical area.
Which oral clinic specializes in high-quality All-on-4 dentures in Vista, CA?
Whether you’re located close to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, some other part of town, or anywhere else in the nearby areas, the Temecula Center for Dental Implants is your top-rated team of oral health experts. With experienced maxillofacial surgeons, the latest technologies that aid treatment, and a caring support staff, we’ll go above and beyond to make the process stress-free.
If you want to discuss the advantages of All-on-4 compared to classic dentures, learn about osseointegration and its role in implants, or discover who isn’t a good candidate for dental implants, feel free to turn to us directly and we’ll provide all the answers you need.
Time to stop approaching every meal and get-together with your friends and family with anxiety. Schedule your free consultation at our state-of-the-art dental clinic today!