Dental Implant Specialist

Dental implants have become a popular alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. So much so that many dentists claim to be specialists in implant procedures, but what does it mean to be a dental implant specialist, and equally important, how do you find one you can trust? First, we need to take a brief look at what the placement of dental implants entails. An implant is a small screw-like post, typically titanium, which is surgically fitted into the jawbone, in the socket of a missing tooth. After the implanted post has fused with the bone, an abutment is positioned to secure the new tooth. A crown is then fixed to the abutment.

The key word in this description of the implant process is “surgically”. Many patients seem to believe that any dentist is surgically qualified to carry out implants. While any licensed general dentist can insert implants, they are under the same legal duty-of-care obligation as surgical specialists. In other words, they should have the same level of experience and training as dental surgeons who provide implant treatment. The only surgeons recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), the leading dental group in the U.S., are maxillofacial (jaw and face) and oral surgeons and periodontists.

Implant Specialists vs. General Dentists

According to the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness (IDIA), dental surgeons undergo an extra four years of training in a hospital-based residency after completing dental school, and periodontists go through a three-year surgical residency program. The IDA, which raises public awareness of the importance of choosing qualified doctors to provide implants, says dental surgical specialists undergo significantly greater formal training and education than general dentists, and adds that it’s crucial that patients appreciate that not all dentists are equally qualified to perform surgical dental implants.

This warning from the IDA highlights the world of difference between general dentists who carry out implants and dental implant specialists: an implant specialist will have acquired vast expertise and experience in surgically replacing missing teeth. Being a dental implant specialist also means being able to handle any complications that may arise through surgery and keeping up to speed with the latest developments in dental implant technology, through continuing, ongoing education.

Why You Need a Genuine Implant Specialist

It would be wrong to assume that the high success rate of dental implants – 95 per cent or above over 30 years – means the procedure is a simple one. The success rate is largely due to the fact that most implants are carried out by skilled surgical specialists with a wealth of experience. In 2014, the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) reported that almost 19 per cent of implants placed by general dentists failed.

The Institute for Dental Implant Awareness says most non-surgical dentists attempting implants do not know how to manage and treat potential complications that are routine for surgical specialists. In the right hands, dental implant procedures are extremely successful and complications rare. However, in the event of problems, the expertise and experience of surgical specialists provides a high level of comfort and safety for patients.

Being a dental implant specialist also means being skilled in the use of the latest diagnostic and treatment planning technology, such as 3D evaluation of CT (computerized tomography) scans to assess the condition of bone structures, enabling optimum placement of implants.

Questions to Ask an Implant Dentist

The training involved in post-graduate dental residency programs is heavily focused on the anticipation, diagnosing and treatment of surgical complications. A dental implant specialist will have seen the most challenging cases during his or her hospital residency, giving them the opportunity to routinely handle complex cases.

Here are a few questions you might like to ask your dentist before going ahead with an implant:

  • How many surgical training courses has the dentist taken?
  • Were these courses covered by the guidelines for fulfilling the legal standard of care for surgical implant placement?
  • Have they undergone training specifically on the management of surgical complications?
  • How many continuing education courses do they attend on an annual basis?
  • How long has the dentist been performing implant procedures?
  • How many bone grafting procedures has the dentist carried out?

Beware of “Bargain” Implants

Being a dental implant specialist means providing the highest standard of care and never cutting corners to lower the cost of treatment, so, if you’re considering having a dental implant, this is no time for bargain hunting. General dentists promoting “bargain” implants may rush through the diagnostic and treatment planning process and may not be using the best quality implant materials. Patients who fall for so-called bargain implants often find their sub-standard implant requires the attentions of a true dental implant specialist to put things right. Surgical specialists in dental implants use systems that have been extensively researched in clinical studies, and this level of research and development means that quality implants are not cheap.

Some Dentists Are More Equal Than Others!

Some general dentists are better than others when it comes to implants. However, patients who don’t want to leave it to chance will find a properly trained, skilled and experienced dental surgeon to perform their procedure, providing a quality, natural-looking implant that will last a lifetime. When performed proficiently, dental implants are one of dentistry’s greatest achievements and have been used widely to improve the lives of people of all ages. If you want the best outcome from a dental implant, look for a practice that’s a genuine implant specialist with extensive expertise and experience, and who’s up to date with the latest advances in implant technology and methods.

Above all, keep in mind that any dental procedure involving surgery should never be regarded lightly, so it’s worth taking the time to find a practice with skilled maxillofacial or oral surgeons or periodontists accredited by the American Dental Association. Any type of surgery carries inherent risks, and a surgically qualified dental implant specialist is armed with the knowledge of how to manage potential problems.

At Metropolitan Prosthodontics, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry and replacing missing teeth. Dr. Christopher Sasik has had 3-4 years of formal training beyond dental school and can assess your dental needs and help you determine the best treatment options for your specific situation. If you’re looking for a long-term, durable solution for missing teeth, look no further. Metropolitan Prosthodontics will help you transform your smile! Contact us today.