Four Steps to Choosing an Implant Dentist

Unlike dental bridges or dentures, implants replace both the tooth and its root. This helps preserve the natural shape of your face and restores full chewing ability.

The first step in getting an implant is evaluation and planning. This includes dental imaging studies, such as X-rays and panoramic films. Contact Implant Dentist Las Vegas now!

If your jawbone is too soft to hold the metal implant, a bone graft may be required. This involves transplanting bone from another area of your mouth or a synthetic bone-substitute material.

Getting Started

Choosing an implant dentist is an important decision for anyone who wants to replace missing teeth. A dental professional with specialized training in this area of dentistry can ensure you are getting the best results and that you will be comfortable throughout the procedure. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure and walk you through what to expect.

The first thing to do when choosing an implant dentist is to find out whether they have completed any formal education courses in this area. A quick online search will show you any qualifications and experience they have in this field. You should also look into how long they have been practicing. Having years of experience is a good sign, as it means they have developed their skills over time.

Another thing to consider is whether the implant dentist you are considering has taken any hands-on training courses. These types of courses can be very useful in gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to perform this type of surgery. You can also learn more about dental implants by reading online articles and blogs that cover the topic. Many of these sites offer a variety of opinions from different professionals. You can also listen to podcasts, such as the Smile Bulletin Podcast from Glidewell, which discusses various opinions on dental implants with top clinicians in the field.

In addition to learning the basics of implant dentistry, it is also a good idea to attend a continuum course that covers all aspects of this specialty. This is often the best way to get fully proficient in this area of dentistry. Continuum courses are usually run by universities or well known accomplished educators, such as the Misch Institute. They are generally several months in length and will cost around $10,000 for equipment and CE.

After taking your initial implant placement and restoration courses, you should focus on building up your practice. This will allow you to gain a better understanding of how to treat these patients and to develop a full-scale implant treatment plan.

Preparation

Embarking on the journey towards dental implants is a transformative experience that promises renewed confidence and functionality. However, meticulous preparation is essential for a successful surgery and recovery process. Here are four steps to help you prepare for your implant dentist journey:

Consultation

The first step in any dental procedure is a consultation with the implant dentist. During this visit, the dentist will review your medical history and examine your teeth and jaw to ensure that you’re a good candidate for dental implants. This is also the time to ask questions and address any concerns that you may have.

During the exam, the implant dentist will check the state of your jawbone to make sure it has sufficient density and volume to hold an implant. This is done through X-rays and CT scans, which provide a detailed look at the structure of your mouth and jaw.

If the dentist discovers that your jawbone is too soft or thin to hold an implant, a bone graft can be performed to add density and volume. This typically involves surgically removing tissue from the jaw or upper gums, then placing it into the deficient area. Once the graft heals, an implant can be placed.

It’s also important to consider any medications or supplements that you’re taking, as some of them can interfere with the success of dental implants. The implant dentist will inform you of any medications or supplements that need to be stopped or avoided before your surgery.

Prior to the day of your procedure, you should start preparing for the surgery by cleaning your mouth thoroughly and addressing any problems, such as infection or gum disease. If necessary, these issues can be treated with periodontal treatment before the surgery.

On the day of your surgery, you’ll need to secure transportation to and from the doctor’s office. The anesthetic will prevent you from driving, and it’s best to have someone available to drive you back home afterward. You should also avoid consuming any alcohol, as it can inhibit your ability to safely undergo sedation.

Implant Placement

Whether replacing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a natural-looking, comfortable and durable alternative to dentures or bridges. The procedure typically begins with a consultation and exam at an implant dentist, where the patient is able to discuss his or her expectations for treatment. The dentist will take the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam, taking into consideration any current health concerns. A comprehensive dental imaging exam will also be performed, using a 3D cone beam CT scan to provide a more detailed view of the area and to determine if there is adequate bone density in the jaw to support an implant.

In some cases, a patient may require a bone graft to augment the quality and quantity of bone where an implant will be placed. During the implant placement phase, a special titanium screw-shaped implant post will be surgically inserted into the bone, covered with gum tissue and allowed to heal. During this time, a temporary prosthesis will be attached to the implant. Depending on the location and complexity of the implant, this can be a single-stage or two-stage procedure.

When choosing an implant dentist, consider the provider’s level of experience. While many general dentists perform implant placement, it’s important to choose a dental implant specialist who is certified in the process through a continuum course. This type of training is more extensive than a traditional degree, and covers all aspects of implantology from diagnosis to restoration.

It’s also a good idea to look for an implant dentist who is a member of a professional organization such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the Academy of Osseointegration, as these organizations require their members to meet high standards of education and training and adhere to strict ethical guidelines. This ensures that the doctor is well-versed in implant dentistry and has access to ongoing education and support for his or her patients.

Finally, it’s a good idea to find out if the dental implant specialist offers a warranty for their work, as this can protect against any complications that arise during or after treatment. The implant placement process can be lengthy, and a warranty will help ease the patient’s anxiety and uncertainty.

Restoration

As a result of dental advancements, implant restoration has become the preferred treatment for replacing missing teeth. It looks, feels and functions like natural teeth. It also offers additional benefits such as improved speech, enhanced nutrition and improved oral hygiene. Implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth and are a great alternative to bridges or dentures.

To find out if you are a good candidate for a dental implant, the dentist will first conduct a thorough oral examination and order dental X-rays. They will also likely recommend preparation treatment to ensure that you have sufficient bone structure to receive an implant, which may include a bone graft.

The surgery to place the dental implant typically involves opening the gum tissue and drilling holes in the jawbone where the metal tooth root will be placed. The surgeon will then attach the metal post to your jawbone, which will take time to fuse with it. This process is called osseointegration and can take several months, depending on your overall health and oral hygiene habits.

Once the implant has integrated, a replacement tooth is attached to it. This is known as the restoration and can be either a single tooth or several teeth replaced in a row (denture), or an entire arch of teeth replaced with implants and crowns. The dentist will make a model of your bite to create the new restoration, which is then based on this model. This ensures that the restoration fits and blends with your other teeth.

Although the success rate for dental implants is extremely high, it is important to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions for care and maintenance. Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to infections, which can damage the implant and surrounding tissues. Smoking is also a major cause of implant failure and can slow or inhibit the healing process. It is therefore essential to stop smoking if you are considering this treatment. If you have a medical condition that affects your immune system, such as diabetes or long-term steroid use, it can also slow or inhibit the integration of the implant in the bone.