How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Dental Implants

Dr. Kevin Hogan • September 25, 2020

Evaluate the Expertise of the Dentist

Dental implant surgery is a specialized surgical dental procedure that requires a higher degree of expertise. Before choosing a dentist to provide implants, review both their training and experience. Training could be a specialty acquired in dental school or obtained through continuing education. Like most technologies, new inventions and emerging procedures continually impact the field of dentistry, and newer technologies can be safer and provide better results.

Experience Matters When It Comes to Dental Implants

When it comes to dental implants , there is no substitute for experience. A dentist who has performed the procedure for many years will have a higher level of expertise than one new to the practice. You will have better results if you choose a dentist with advanced training in dental implants and years of experience performing the procedure.

Another way to gauge expertise is through board certifications. Certifications require rigorous training and testing to ensure the dentist has advanced knowledge of specialized procedures like dental implants. Active affiliations with organizations such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) also provide ongoing training for implant dentistry’s latest techniques and treatments.

Access to the latest surgical technology and equipment can also mean the dentist uses the best and most advanced dental implant techniques available.

Patient Reviews

Reading patient reviews, which can be found on the practice’s website or third-party review sites, will give you clues about how the team works with patients and the overall satisfaction of patients who have recently had dental implants. You can also request to speak with previous clients and view before and after pictures of recent procedures like the one you are considering. In addition to reviews, consider your experience during the initial office visit.

How were your interactions with staff members?
Was the office clean and orderly?
Did you feel the dentist heard and understood your concerns?
Did the dentist explain the procedure in a way that you understand what to expect before, during and after the procedure?

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an advanced, surgical procedure that provides lasting, permanent esthetics and function and promotes overall dental health and improved self-confidence. The artistic skill and experience of your dentist is critical to a positive outcome. Finding an accomplished dentist who is certified and undergoes ongoing continuing education on the most advanced procedures related to dental implants is key.

FAQs

Are dental implants worth it?

Dental implants provide more than just an aesthetic outcome from tooth loss. Dental implants support the adjacent teeth, supporting a healthy bite. Implants also decrease bone loss, preserving the underlying jawbone and further preserving facial aesthetics.
What is the best age for dental implants?

Dental implants are an appropriate, permanent solution to missing that can last 25 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Since over half of individuals over the age of 65 have at least one missing tooth, dental implants are a popular solutions for older individuals wanting to replace one or more missing teeth, or replace a full arch of teeth with implant supported dentures.
Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?

Patients who grind their teeth, clinch their jaw or bite their fingernails may put too much pressure on the implants which could result in long-term damage. Also, people with certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, a severely compromised immune system, or people that that steroids or other drugs to suppress the immune system may not be a suitable candidate for dental implants.
How long after extraction can you get an implant?

In most cases it is recommended to wait 3-6 month after a tooth has been removed to allow the area to heal and new bone to regenerate. However, with a healthy underlying jawbone, it may be possible to extract a tooth and place the implant post during the same visit.
Is 70 too old for dental implants?

No age is too old for dental implants, in fact, older people many times find greater benefits from dental implants like improved oral and physical health, improved facial aesthetics and greater confidence. Dental implants are equally effective and long-lasting when use din older patients.