Who Should I Go to for Dental Implants?

Annually, up to 500,000 people choose to get dental implants. This procedure is one of the most common and effective ways of replacing a lost tooth offered by many dental experts. The main issue is that many patients are still oblivious of specific facts about dental implants and thus hold back on treatment.

A few facts about dental implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 35 million Americans are missing a significant amount of their teeth. About 15 million people have restored their lost teeth with crowns and bridges. Dental implants are becoming popular, as over 3 million candidates have implants at a rate of about 500,000 procedures a year. Dental implant procedures have a success rate of 98.4 percent.

Professionals qualified to place dental implants

General Dentist

Many general dentists are beginning to replace lost teeth with dental implants. General dentists have expertise in preventive dental care and treating minor restorations. Thus, they have little experience with oral surgery and are not the most qualified professional to visit for dental implant placement.

Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists are mostly concerned with the look of your dentition and smile. Due to that, they would suggest natural-looking implants over dental restorations such as dentures. Some cosmetic dentists may choose to place the implants themselves, but usually they collaborate with oral surgeons to finish the implants for the best outcome.

Periodontist

Periodontists go for additional training after dental college to learn about treating the gums and jawbone. Periodontists typically have more education and clinical experience than general dentists about this aspect of the mouth. This means that periodontists are better qualified to perform implants than general dentists.

Oral surgeon

Oral surgeons are the most qualified dental professional to visit for dental implants. Note that implant placement is a surgical procedure and they have to be held firmly to the jawbone. This means that visiting a dentist who performs surgery regularly as his or her primary role will ensure that the patient remains under the supervision of a caregiver with the highest level of experience and expertise.

Some patients need to undergo bone grafts before getting an implant, and the oral surgeon performs this procedure.

So, whom should you visit for dental implant surgery?

The decision of whom to go to for dental implant surgery is personal and relies on many factors. Patients who have visited a general or cosmetic dentist enough will be more comfortable going to them for such an invasive surgery. Some may be under the direct supervision of a periodontist for issues with their gum. In those instances, seeing the same dental expert is reasonable.

Patients who are seeking the best expert to visit and do not have preferences should consider speaking with an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon is a doctor with the highest level of expertise and ability to render any required help during and after the implant placement. If the patient needs bone grafting, they can perform that procedure first, then insert the implant when the patient is ready.

References

http://www.aaid.com/about/Press_Room/Dental_Implants_FAQ.html

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Recent Posts

What Are The Advantages Of Getting Dental Implants

Before the invention of dental implants, the only options available to replace a lost tooth were dentures or bridges. Today, dental implants offer a solution that looks and feels like a natural tooth. They are attractive and comfortable, and they provide many advantages.If you are considering replacing a lost tooth with an implant, there are…

4 Signs You May Need Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to serve as the roots of replacement teeth. They are often the most highly recommended teeth replacement solution due to the unique benefits that they provide over alternative solutions, such as removable dentures and fixed bridges.The three primary options that patients have after they lose one…

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become more and more popular over time and with good reason! They are the closest thing to natural teeth that a person can get. It’s important to know what dental implants are in case a person wants to consider having the procedure done. They offer many great benefits to those who are…

Is Getting A Dental Implant And Crown Painful?

Many who need dental implant and crown procedures put off the treatment of out fear that the procedure will be painful.Understanding what pain comes with the procedure can calm anxiety and allow those who are afraid to follow through with the treatment.Dental implant and crown placement involves some pain and soreness. That said, it may…


Recent Posts

What Materials Are Used In Zirconia Crowns?

What Materials Are Used In Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia is quickly becoming a more common choice of material for dental restorations. Continue reading to learn more about zirconia crowns as they compare to other restoration materials. Zirconia has been used in medicine for more than half a century. Many people might be left wondering what makes zirconia crowns so unique. This article discusses…

Three Questions To Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

Three Questions To Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

White dental fillings are a lot more popular than traditional silver amalgam fillings nowadays. Also known as composite fillings, the materials used are made from mixing plastic and glass resins. They can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so any repairs look natural in their mouth.That leads to significantly improved aesthetics over conventional amalgam fillings,…