5 Factors for Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Dental Implants
You have missing or broken teeth. Maybe, you have dentures. You are considering implants. Maybe not. The options are many and are complicated. It is a crucial decision for not only your oral health but for your overall health and your confidence.
You recognize that choosing the right dentist to help you make the right decision on implants is absolutely critical - it affects the success and longevity of your new smile and the new you.
You have come to the right place.
Factor #1 - Type of Dentist
Prosthodontist: They specialize in restoring and replacing missing teeth, and while not all perform implant surgery, some have extensive experience and training in placing and restoring implants. They are an Implant Specialist.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: They specialize in surgeries of the face, mouth, and jaws, making them highly qualified for complex implant placements, bone grafting, and sinus lifts.
Periodontist: They specialize in gum disease and supporting structures of the teeth, giving them expertise in gum tissue management and bone augmentation procedures around implants.
Dental Implant Center: A center of dentistry focused on excellence in Dental Implants. This center has a team of implant with tears of experience doing hundreds if not thousands of implants.
Start with your Prosthodontist, who will bring in other specialists as needed.
Instead of thinking about a specific dentist, we encourage you to think about the Team of Implant Experts, ideally at a Dental Implant Center, that you really want on your side.
Team of Dental Implant Experts
Factor #2: Deep Expertise in Dental Implants
You need a Prosthodontist and the team of Implant experts with extensive experience in placing implants. Think about number of implants placed and number of years of experience handling different types of cases. Specialization is a huge advantage for implants.
Your Implants Team should have specific training and qualifications in Implantology. They should have completed fellowships in Implant Dentistry. Your Implant specialists should have trained and graduated from a top notch, well regarded institution, known for implants and dentistry.
Deep Expertise in Dental Implants
Factor #3: Advanced Technology & Facility
Dentistry and specifically Implants are advancing rapidly with innovation in technology leading to better efficacy and improved patient experience.
Choose a clinic which uses advanced technology for diagnosis, treatment planning, and implant placement. This might include CT scans, 3D planning software, and guided implant surgery techniques.
Ensure your clinic is modern and well-equipped for implant procedures.
Advanced Technology for delivering Dental Implants
Factor #4: Communication & Comfort
You need to feel comfortable and confident with your dentist and her supporting staff.
Choose someone who listens to your concerns, explains the procedure clearly, and answers your questions patiently. The entire process from start to finish should be clearly explained.
You will be interacting with the entire team not only through the implant process but also beyond that (for maintenance and care).
Ensure you are comfortable with their communication style and chairside manners. The overall experience is absolutely important.
Factor #5: Costs & Payment Options
Finally, your team should explain the total cost of the implant treatment, including surgery, implant materials, and restoration. Both insurance and out-of-pocket expenses would likely be needed.
Payment options for your Dental Implants
Your team should provide with you a couple different options and explains the pros and cons from clinical and health perspectives.
“Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.”
Make an Informed Decision
Ask your dentist for recommendations or referrals to qualified implant specialists.
Check online reviews and patient testimonials to get an idea of other people's experiences with different doctors.
Interview several doctors before choosing the one you feel most comfortable with. Ask as many questions as you need to feel informed and confident about your choice.
Don't rush the decision.
