Dental Implant Specialist

Dental implants have become so popular that many dentists claim to specialize in these procedures, but what does it take to truly be a dental implant specialist? One of the top reasons for choosing a dental implant specialist over a general dentist is the difference in the level of training between the two.

The Institute for Dental Implant Awareness (IDIA) says dental surgical specialists like implant experts undergo far greater formal training and education than general dentists. The organization – which raises public awareness of the importance of finding a qualified dental surgeon to provide implants – adds that it’s critical patients realize that not all dentists are equally qualified to perform surgical dental implants.

In other words, an experienced implant specialist will have gained a wealth of expertise in surgically replacing missing teeth. To specialize in the surgical placement of dental implants requires four further years of continuing education in a hospital-based residency after four years at dental school.

A dental implant specialist will also:

  • Keep up to date with the latest advances in dental implant technology, through continuing, ongoing education.
  • Be capable of dealing with any complications that may arise through implant surgery.

Benefits of Dental Implants Fitted by an Implant Specialist

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) says implants are suitable for anyone in good general health whose jaw has fully developed. The next best thing to natural healthy teeth, implants have become a popular alternative to conventional dentures and bridges, and they represent an important landmark in dentistry, being widely used to improve the lives of people of all ages.

Many mid-aged people in the U.S. have lost at least one tooth because of trauma, gum disease or decay. Implants provide a secure base for artificial teeth and can be used instead of dentures and bridges or to support a dental plate. They look and feel like your own teeth and are typically the preferred option for replacement of a single tooth, although they can be used to replace several teeth.

Implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime when properly inserted by an implant specialist. However, in 2014 the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) declared that nearly one in five implants fitted by general dentists was failing. The overall high success rate of dental implants – 95 per cent or above over 30 years – is largely down to the fact that most implants are carried out by skilled surgical implant specialists with vast experience.

Minimizing the Risks of Implant Surgery

An implant is a screw-like post, usually titanium, which is surgically fitted into the jawbone, in the socket of a missing tooth. While general dentists can fit implants, they won’t necessarily have the same level of dental surgery training and experience that implant specialists have gained. As with any surgery, the placement of implants carries some risk, but if you choose an implant specialist, you can rest assured that they have the skills and experience to manage potential problems.

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

The training that a dental implant specialist undergoes in a post-graduate dental residency program is focused on the anticipation of surgical complications and how to cope with them. A dental implant specialist will have seen the most difficult cases during their hospital-based residency, giving them the opportunity to gain experience in routinely handling complex cases.

How to Find an Experienced Dental Implant Specialist

Some general dentists are more skilled and experienced than others when it comes to dental implants. However, patients who don’t want to take potluck will look for a fully-trained, skilled and experienced dental implant surgeon to perform their procedure. Implant dentistry is as much about art as medical science. An experienced implant specialist is likely to adopt a more inspired approach to implant procedures than general dentists. They will also demonstrate a high degree of empathy in addressing their patients’ problems and needs.

If you want the best experience from a dental implant procedure, look for a dental office that:

  • Is a genuine implant specialist.
  • Has extensive experience and expertise in implants.
  • Is up to speed with the latest implant technologies and methods.
  • Will create an implant treatment plan customized to your specific needs.

Implant specialists are also skilled in using most advanced diagnostic technology, like 3D assessment of CT (computerized tomography) scans to gauge the state of bone structures, enabling optimum placement of implants. Furthermore, a dental implant specialist will be highly skilled in diagnosis, assessing your overall wellbeing as well as your dental health.

They will also take into account:

  • The condition of the bone in your jaw.
  • Your jaw alignment.
  • Jaw joint function.
  • The way your teeth bite together.
  • The aesthetics of implants as they relate to your facial structure.

Why it’s Vital to Have a Skilled Implant Surgeon Perform Your Procedure

Periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only surgical specialists recognized by the American Dental Association. The extra four years of hospital-based training that oral surgeons undergo includes a full year of anesthesia education. Furthermore, the most challenging and unusual implant cases are seen in teaching hospitals, which gives budding implant specialists the opportunity to treat complex cases. Dental implants require surgical skill to achieve the optimum depth and placement while avoiding important structures like facial nerves. An implant wrongly positioned can do permanent damage, so finding a skilled implant surgeon is imperative.

Implant Options

A practice specializing in dental implants is likely to be able to offer a wider range of implant options than general dental practices, where only standard implants may be available. Besides regular implants, different types of implants typically available at dental offices specializing in implants include:

  • Mini implants.
  • Micro implants.
  • Implants for overdentures.
  • Implants for fixed bridges.

At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, our prosthodontists specialize in dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry. We can help determine the best course of action for your dental health and smile. Contact us today!