Whether you’re just considering a single tooth replacement or replacing an entire arch via the all on four procedure, choosing to receive dental implants is a big decision. A brand-new smile will increase biting strength, prevent bone resorption, and create an overall lift in confidence. However, it is just as important to pick the right dental implant specialist as it is to replace missing teeth in the first place. While this may seem straightforward, many people are curious about where to even begin. To assist with this process, here are a few key factors to consider before selecting the perfect dental specialist.
Dental Qualifications Are Key
You wouldn’t turn to a general practitioner for advanced spine surgery, so why would you choose a general dentist for your dental implants? Gaining the qualifications necessary to perform a procedure as intimate and complicated as dental implant surgery requires years of training and specialized education. This is why we recommend beginning your search with a certified prosthodontist.
For example, we recommend selecting a dentist with a degree from a prestigious university, such as the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Other top dental schools include: New York University (NYU), the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC), and the University of Washington. A degree from a top university ensures that your dentist has been trained by one of the best organizations in the world, which is surely important to consider before making your decision.
How Important Is Experience?
We all know training and education is extremely important. However, so is experience. Nothing compares to the firsthand knowledge gained when crafting new smiles over a significant period of years. While every smile is unique, a quality prosthodontist will have worked on hundreds of different cases throughout their career. This will give you the peace of mind that your specialist will know exactly what to do throughout your procedure, no matter what situation they are presented with.
The Cost Of Dental Implants
This is a piece of advice we cannot stress enough. When it comes to dental implants, you get what you pay for. For example, we often hear horror stories about people travelling to a foreign country for dental care. This may seem like an attractive option at first, because dentists outside of the United States often advertise prices “cheaper” than here at home. However, when it comes to dental implants, “cheaper” does not mean “better.” Dentists in foreign countries are not held to the same regulatory standards as here in the United States. This is why many implants done outside out the U.S. fail after just a few years. When it comes to something as important as your smile, it is key to make a sound investment that will last a lifetime.
What About A Warranty?
After you have your brand-new smile, it is important to protect your investment. For example, you will want to be prepared in the rare case an implant shows any sign of irritation. While an experienced prosthodontist will provide the utmost care for your smile, it is better to be covered by a warranty than not. This is why a dental practice that backs its’ work with a warranty is often more credible than one that does not.
In conclusion, investing in a new smile is a wonderful and life changing experience that thousands of Americans experience every year. However, there are many important questions that must be asked before moving forward with treatment. From training and experience, to price and warranty, each and every factor should be examined and considered thoroughly. Once you find a specialist that meets your expectations for each of these recommended guidelines, you will know that you are ready to move forward and enjoy all the benefits that come with a new set of teeth!