If you’re missing teeth, there are many different ways to go about fixing the problem. However, with dental implants it’s important to know why you should work with an implant dentist for your procedure.
Like any surgical or medical treatment, you don’t necessarily go with the cheapest price. Dental implant placement requires a significant amount of training and skill in order to deliver long-lasting results, so the dentist’s specific implant experience matters.
What to Look for in an Implant Dentist
An implant dentist should be able to speak clearly about their training and experience, including:
- Training in anesthesia and surgical placement techniques
- Experience placing implants in a variety of locations in the mouth, including cases that need bone grafting or other preparation
- Continuing education specific to implant dentistry, such as coursework through recognized organizations like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
It is reasonable to ask any dentist you are considering about their specific implant training and how many implant procedures they have performed, since not every general dentist pursues this additional training.
Why Experience With Implants Specifically Matters
Placing an implant successfully depends on precise positioning relative to nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth, along with an understanding of how the bone will respond during healing. A dentist who places implants regularly is generally better equipped to anticipate complications and adjust a treatment plan when your anatomy calls for it, compared to a dentist who performs the procedure only occasionally.
What Happens During Your Consultation
To determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure, your dentist will meet with you in person to discuss your goals and needs, review imaging of your jaw and remaining teeth, and evaluate your bone density. From there, your treatment plan is personalized to your specific anatomy and goals, and your dental team will walk you through the process so you know what to expect at each stage.
If you are in the Summerlin area and would like to learn more about your dental implant options, contact our office online to schedule your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Implant Dentist
Is every dentist qualified to place dental implants?
Not every general dentist pursues the additional surgical and implant-specific training needed to place implants regularly. It is reasonable to ask a prospective dentist about their specific implant training and experience.
What questions should I ask before choosing an implant dentist?
Ask about their specific training in implant surgery, how many implant procedures they perform, and how they handle cases that require bone grafting or other preparation before placement.
What happens if my case is more complex, such as needing bone grafting first?
A dentist experienced with implants can evaluate whether a bone grafting procedure is needed to build a stable foundation before implant placement, and will walk you through that additional step as part of your treatment plan.
How is my treatment plan personalized for dental implants?
Your dentist reviews imaging of your jaw and remaining teeth, evaluates your bone density, and discusses your goals before recommending a specific implant approach tailored to your anatomy.
Does more implant experience really change the outcome?
A dentist who places implants regularly generally has more experience anticipating complications and adjusting a plan when a patient’s anatomy is not straightforward, compared to a dentist who performs the procedure only occasionally.