8 Things to Ask Your Dental Implant Dentist
Choose Someone Who Meets Your Needs
Whether you’re receiving a dental implant for the first time or you’ve moved to a new location, choosing a dentist can be overwhelming. However, the right implant dentist can be the difference between a failed implant procedure or an attractive new addition to your smile.
Since dentists play an integral role in your health, it’s crucial that you’re comfortable with your practitioner. Below are some questions that we suggest asking an implant dentist before you decide if they’re the right choice to perform your treatment.
#1) What are your credentials?
While the majority of dentists can place dental implants, their credentials could vary immensely. The minimum amount of continuing education needed to perform an implant procedure is a mere weekend-long course. Alternatively, some implant dentists complete years of training to ensure they can provide the highest possible care to their patients.
In terms of credentials, look for dentists who’ve worked with professional and renowned organizations, such as but not limited to:
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Misch International Implant Institute
- American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP)
- International Dental Implant Association
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics
For example, Dr. Tarek Assi in Coral Springs, FL, is a member of the organizations bolded above. He’s also a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists which means that he’s completed over 120 individual implant cases, authored or lectured on the topic of implant dentistry, and recorded over 250 continuing education hours of approved classes.
#2) How many implant procedures have you performed?
Depending on how long the dentist has been practicing, you might get a variety of answers to this question.
Typically, the old saying “practice makes perfect” still applies to dentists. The more implant procedures they’ve completed, the more practice they’ve had, meaning your treatment will be safer and more reliable.
#3) What’s your education and training?
Much like their credentials, asking about the dentist’s education and formal training will give you insight into who they are, and if they’re the ideal dentist to place your implant.
Each dental school is different, with varying curriculums and graduation rates. Their differences don’t define the quality of their education, so take this question with a grain of salt and ask them to elaborate on their experience during school.
#4) What steps are involved in the process, and do you perform them all?
This is an excellent question to ask because you could potentially be working with this dentist over the next few months to restore your smile. Understanding the procedure and which steps they complete in-office can save you time, money, and trouble.
For example, Dr. Dale F. Spadafora in Hermitage, PA, is an expert implant dentist who completes each step of the implant process in his office — placing the implant and securing the permanent restoration. If you need a supplemental treatment (e.g., bone grafting or tissue augmentation) before you begin the implant process, Dr. Spadafora can do that too.
#5) Do you have before & afters?
A straightforward way to see if a dentist has the skills necessary to safely place your implant is by asking if they have before and after pictures. These images will give you a glimpse of the wide array of issues that the dentist has seen, and how they’ve handled them.
Before and after images can also be beneficial if you find a case that’s similar to your own. Seeing a stunning smile after restoration may increase your confidence and establish trust in the dentist.
#6) Are you highly rated on websites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or Healthgrades?
With technology flourishing, our ability to communicate and learn from others is endless. For this reason, we recommend hearing what previous patients think about the dentist you’re investigating.
There are numerous sources you can use, although there are a few powerhouses that we encourage you to check first. You can find reviews about your dentist on these popular websites:
- Google Reviews
- Yelp
- Healthgrades
- 1-800-Dentist
- BirdEye
- Dentistry.com
- CareDash
If you’re looking for a highly rated implant dentist, Dr. Roman Shlafer in Farmington, MI has a 4.9/5 on Google, 4.9/5 on BirdEye, and a 5/5 on Facebook. No matter how many implants you need, he’ll give you a smile that you’ll cherish for many years to come.
#7) Do you use any advanced technology?
Another thing that sets a remarkable implant dentist apart from the rest is their understanding that technology improves every aspect of treatment. If you find a dentist who uses advanced technology, you’ll experience faster, more accurate, and more reliable treatments.
Some examples of technology that’s useful for dental implant treatment includes CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanners, digital x-rays, three-dimensional surgical guides, and All-on-4®.
#8) Are the dentist’s location and hours convenient for your schedule?
Last but not least, make sure the dentist that you choose can accommodate your busy schedule. Typically, dental implant treatment takes between three to six months to complete, so choose an easily accessible practice.
If you live in or around Gunnison, CO, Dr. Scott Anderson will work with your schedule to ensure that you receive the dental care you deserve. He’s a professional implant dentist with over 500 hours of advanced training related to implant surgery and procedures.
Find a Trusted Implant Dentist Today
Dental implant treatment is an advanced procedure that requires the attention of a highly skilled implant dentist to reap the best results. We advise you to choose someone who’s located nearby, has the proper training, and will take the time to understand any concerns you have.
During your consultation, feel free to ask any of the questions we mentioned above. The dentist’s answers will help you make an informed decision, resulting in a durable, attractive new smile that you’ll be proud to show off to the world.