Dental implants are becoming increasingly common, with more and more dentists offering this procedure to patients with missing teeth. Working with the right dentist, however, ensures that your implant procedure goes as smoothly as possible, and also decreases your chance of side effects and implant failure. Here are three things that indicate a particular dentist is a great one to choose for your implants:
The dentist offers sedation services.
Some patients opt to go through dental implant procedures without sedation, but it's nice to have the option of sedation in case you end up needing it on the day of your surgery. Your mouth will be numb from the local anesthetic, but some sedation can take the edge off your anxiety so the process goes more smoothly. If a particular dentist offers implants but no sedation, you're probably best off looking for another dentist, so you can be sure you'll have the support you need on the day of your surgery.
The dentist uses cone beam CT scans.
This is a specific imaging technique that gives the dentist a 3D view of your jaw bone and any remaining tooth roots. It allows him or her to determine, with increased accuracy, whether your jaw bone is strong enough to support the implants. As your implants heal, cone beam CT scans will allow your dentist to visualize the progress and ensure there are no complications developing.
Some dentists may perform implant procedures without using this specific imaging technique. However, this puts you at an increased risk of complications. Especially if you need multiple implants or have an ongoing health condition, be sure to work with a dentist who uses cone beam CT scans.
The dentist and staff are happy to answer your questions.
Getting dental implants is a long and drawn out process that lasts several months to a year. Over this lengthy period of time, you're going to have a lot of questions – so you want to be sure you work with a dentist who is willing to answer them. If a dentist takes the time to give you thorough, clear answers to your questions during your initial evaluation appointment, then he or she is a good one to consider further.
Not all dentists who offer implant services are equally skilled. To ensure your implants are successful, look for a dentist who has been offering implants for at least several years, and one who meets the standards listed above.
Share
