If you are thinking of having dental implants, choosing a dentist can have the same importance as deciding whether you want titanium or metal-free materials. Dental implants are an innovation to the usual dentures and bridges but dental implant procedures are more complex and invasive. This is why when you are thinking of getting dental implants, it is best to spend time looking at the qualifications of your preferred dentist.
You can look at testimonials or smile gallery because with these, you can look at the results and listen to what real patients have to say about the procedure. The credentials, education, and experience of the dentist is one of the most crucial factors you must consider before deciding.
What you need to know about dentist
- Ask about the specialty of the dentist – Remember that it is only oral surgeons and periodontists are given formal training on surgery by accredited residency programs. Some of them might even have advanced training in surgery, but this is not as common. You should also know that an “Implantologist” is not known and it is not a real specialty. The person did not get proper training if they call themselves that.
- Offer high-quality aesthetics – Normally, dental implant specialists have a more advanced technology and better equipment. This is an indication that aside from the proper training they received, they have the right tools for the artificial tooth and the gums around it will look more natural and better looking. This is why you need to know if they have good aesthetics and proper equipment.
- Number of implants placed – Based on research, they need to have placed more than 50 implants before they are as successful as their colleagues who have more experience. So, find out if your dentist has done a lot of implants and if they are still doing it. A lot of dentists only do the procedure a few times a year.
- How much training did they receive – Specifically ask your dentist for the course names, durations, dates, and their sponsor. Look for the courses the dentist mentioned to check the program’s legitimacy that was endorsed by the right associations.
- Surgical portion and restoration – There are dentists who only perform surgery and some only put the crowns on top of your teeth. If this is the case, you would have to see 2 dentists so the treatment is completed. It is good to choose a dentist who does both procedures to save you the time and hassle of looking for 2 dentists instead of 1 to complete everything.
- The success rate of the dentist – There is a high success rate in dental implants, which is around 95%. A less experienced dentist might have a lower success rate. You also need to ask if they are offering a warranty for the implants you will get. This is why it is important to do a check on this with your dentist. You do not want to have bad dental implants because they will come with other things after that which can frustrate you.
- The methods they use to avoid a nerve – This assessment is important for avoiding complications. A dental implant surgery requires high precision – even 1 mm can determine the difference between a poor result and a great one. Generally, there will be a clinical examination that is backed by x-rays and sometimes a CT scan which is more sophisticated. An ideal dentist for your implants will perform a full investigation if necessary.
- Have you finished any dental implant courses – The dentist should have finished a course in the 2 years that have passed because procedures for dental implants are always advancing. You may want to look for a dentist who might want to keep updated with training, developments in the industry, and technological advancements. Make sure that the dentist has current achievements to ensure they are keeping up with the right procedures.
Visiting dental clinic
Their dental clinic also have to be complete with equipment and they should give a nice feeling when you are there because getting an implant is a long procedure. You need to be comfortable with the clinic as much as possible.