How to Find the Best Dentist for Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, then you may be considering dental implants as a possible treatment option. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and serve as the roots for your missing teeth, making them an effective and long-lasting tooth replacement option.

Finding the best dentist for dental implants is incredibly important to ensuring a successful outcome for your dental health. Dental implants are a significant investment, both financially and time-wise, so finding a qualified and experienced dentist is essential.

These are the steps you should take to identify the best dentist for your oral surgery. 

Ask for Recommendations

One of the initial steps to finding the best dentist for dental implants is to seek out recommendations. Reach out to friends, family members, colleagues, or acquaintances who have undergone dental implant procedures. Asking others to recall their experiences can provide insight into the quality of care, the dentist’s professionalism, and the overall satisfaction of the patients. 

These recommendations can serve as a great starting point for your research. Add all of the recommended dentists to a list and use it to start your research.

Consult Your General Dentist

If you have a general dentist, then they can be a valuable resource in your search for an oral surgeon. Your general dentist will first look for signs that you may need dental implants such as:

• Having one or more missing teeth
• Having adequate bone structure to accommodate implants
• Having healthy oral tissues
• Are unable to or do not want to wear dentures
• Are willing to commit your time to the implant process

Once your dentist determines that you are a good fit for dental implants, they can connect you with specialists such as oral surgeons who specialize in dental implant procedures. They can provide you with recommendations based on your specific dental needs and offer referrals to experienced specialists. 

Check for Credentials

When evaluating potential dentists for dental implants, it is crucial to verify their credentials and qualifications. Ensure that the dentist is a licensed oral surgeon with the necessary education, training, and certifications in implant dentistry. 

Ensure that they are affiliated with reputable dental associations, as being a member of professional organizations often indicates that they have a commitment to high standards of practice.

If your dentist is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, then they have practiced implant dentistry for at least seven years and have completed implant procedures on at least 75 people, according to Colgate.

Ask About Success Rates

Inquire about the dentist’s success rates with dental implant procedures. A reliable and transparent dentist will be willing to share information about their track record, including the number of successful surgeries they have performed and any potential complications. 

Asking about success rates helps you gain insight into the dentist’s ability to perform dental implant surgeries. Some dentists may even be able to provide you with before-and-after photos or case studies that showcase their work. 

Check Pricing Structure

Understanding the dental implant cost and exploring payment options is an essential aspect of choosing a dental implant provider. It is important to check out the pricing for all of the different types of dental implants. Procedures such as Teeth-In-A-Day and All-On-Four Teeth will have varying price ranges.

Costs will also vary based on factors such as the number of implants needed, the need for additional services, and the type of dental restoration used. You can request a cost breakdown from your dentist, which should include the consultation fees, surgery fees, and implant costs.

You will also want to ensure that the dentist’s office covers all or part of your dental implant procedure. Dental insurance plans may vary in their coverage of implant treatments. Some dental practices also offer installment plans or partnerships with financing companies to make the cost of dental implants more palatable. 

Read Reviews

Reading online reviews is a great way to gain insight into the experiences of other patients who have undergone dental implant procedures with a particular dentist. Take some time to read these online reviews and look for feedback about the dentist’s communication style and professional skills. 

Look for Experience

The experience of the dentist is a critical aspect of the success of oral surgery. It is a good idea to opt for a dentist with significant experience in performing dental implant surgeries. This experience means that the dentist has encountered a variety of cases, developed effective techniques, and has honed their skills over time. 

Ask the dentist about the number of dental implant procedures they have completed and which types of dental implants they specialize in.

Schedule a Consultation

After you have compiled a list of potential dentists, schedule a few consultations with the top candidates. During this consultation, the dentist will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This will also give you an opportunity to discuss your specific concerns and evaluate their approach to dental implant surgery.

It is a great idea to make a list of questions to ask the dentist. You can also use this meeting as an opportunity to tour the facility and make sure it is clean and tidy.

Assess the Technology

During your consultation, ask about the technology used by the dentist and whether or not they have access to state-of-the-art equipment. The technology available at a dentist’s practice can greatly impact the success of your procedure. Check for key technologies such as 3D imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and digital impressions.

Feel Comfortable

Lastly, you want to ensure that you feel comfortable with the dentist you choose. During your consultations and interactions with the dentist and their staff, assess your comfort level and assess their communication styles, bedside manner, and trustworthiness.

Contact Santa Monica Center for Dental Implants Today

Getting dental implants is a big decision, and you want to make sure you choose a qualified dentist to perform your procedure. The team here at Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is ready to help you with all of your dental implant needs.

Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was founded in 1975 and we are the oldest OMS practice in West Los Angeles. Our team of qualified surgeons is here to provide you with the highest-quality care possible. We have doctors who are teaching faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and surgical staff Staff at Providence Saint Johns Health Center.

Contact us today to discuss your oral health needs.