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When you have missing or cracked teeth, it can impact many parts of your life. It can make you self-conscious about smiling and give you trouble when chewing. Dental implants can solve these problems, and they fit and feel like real teeth, which make them an attractive alternative to dentures or crowns. But how do you decide how to choose the right dental implant specialist to fit you with your dental implants? Look for the following essentials.
Look at Qualifications and Experience
Make sure the dental implant specialist you choose has the training and qualifications to perform the dental implant procedure you need. Check out their education and training. Ask to see before and after photos of previous clients. If possible, read reviews and ask prospective dental surgeons about their success rate. Find out if they are a member of a professional organization, since most of those organizations have strict guidelines for admittance.
The American Dental Association only recognizes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and Periodontists as dental surgeons. To be on the safe side, you should make sure the dental implant specialist you choose falls in one of these categories.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can perform wisdom tooth extraction, orthognathic jaw surgery, dental implants, and even facial reconstruction procedures. After dental school, these surgeons receive a minimum of four years of surgical training. Periodontists are also trained in dental implant placement, cosmetic periodontal surgery, bone grafting, and oral inflammation treatment. After dental school, Periodontists undergo three years of specialty education and surgical training.
Research the Clinic
If you choose to work with a practitioner who works in a clinic, make sure that there is a continuity of care and that you will be dealing with the same dental implant specialist each time you are seen. Make sure the clinic has modern and up-to-date equipment. Ask the staff questions and see if you get a good feeling from them. You can tell a lot by how the staff responds to your questions.
Insist on Strong Communication
Ideally, you should make sure that the dental implant specialist you choose is very upfront about what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. A good dental implant specialist will explain all the options available for your dental implants and make sure you feel comfortable about your decision and what is involved before any of the work begins. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions or feel that they are not answering you in a forthright manner, that is not the dental implant specialist for you.
Make Your Choice
Once you’ve carefully considered all the above criteria, you should be able to find a local dental implant specialist who is right for you and can competently and successfully fit you with your dental implants. Then you can be on your way to restoring your smile and regaining your optimal dental health. At Greater Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery, we are dental surgeons who have extensive experience with dental implants. To learn more or to set up an appointment for a consultation, contact us directly.