1. Can you really change my smile?
An important conversation you should have with your prosthodontist is what he or she can do to change your smile. Your smile is the first thing most people notice about you. Your prosthodontist can show you exactly what he or she can do to help you put your best smile forward.
2. How long will it take?
Getting a general timeline is key. Understanding how many visits it will take to achieve your results is a big part of a successful treatment plan. You will also need time to heal between visits. Your prosthodontist should explain what kind of follow-up care you will need.
3. How much will this cost?
For most of us, the cost of the procedure is important. Understanding what each step will cost is vital.
That’s why you’ll want to discuss what insurance will cover and what will come out of your pocket. In some cases, you may talk about this with the billing staff rather than the prosthodontist. However, the billing office will work from the order given by the doctor.
4. How do I take care of my new dental work?
Depending on what kind of dental work you have done, your new teeth may be slightly different from your natural teeth. They could have a different shape and, in some cases, they may come out of your mouth.
In addition, if you get new teeth, they won’t be made from enamel and dentin. This means that you will need to care for them in different ways.
In the case of removable bridges and dentures, your doctor will walk you through how to safely remove the teeth and suggest what type of cleaners you should use, as well as how often you should clean them. Permanent dental implants may require special brushes to clean the crevices between your implants and your natural teeth.
In addition, you should talk with your prosthodontist about follow-up care. They might want to check and adjust your dental work if your face or jaw changes or if you have more dental work around the affected area.
5. Are you a certified prosthodontist?
Making sure that you have a certified prosthodontist is important. A certified cosmetic dentist is not the same thing as a prosthodontist. Your certified prosthodontist has worked to understand more than just how your teeth look. They have studied for three years to understand how bone health, engineering, and aesthetics all play their role in your appearance and health.
Final Thoughts
If you have these or any other questions, give Dakota Prosthetic and Implant Center a call. Dr. Michael Lassle is one of the few board-certified prosthodontists in North Dakota and would love to answer any questions you might have.