By age 50, Americans have already lost an average of 12 teeth. Nearly 70% of Americans ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. If you’re missing a tooth, it helps to know you’re not alone. Choosing an implant dentist can help.
A dental implant will close the gap in your smile, improving your appearance and oral health. Restoring your smile could help you avoid other health issues down the line, too.
Not sure which implant dentist to visit? Read on to discover the tips you need to find the best dental implant specialist today!
Gather Referrals
Currently, over 1,082,000 professionals work in the dental health industry. You could struggle to narrow down your options without a plan. Streamline your search when choosing an implant dentist by gathering referrals.
Talk to friends, family members, and neighbors who live in the area. Ask if any of them have visited a cosmetic or implant dentist recently. If they have, ask about their experience.
If they haven’t, ask if their current dentist offers cosmetic dentistry services.
Learn more about each cosmetic dentist from each friend you speak with. They could provide you with insights that otherwise aren’t available online. The information they offer can help you determine which dentists to trust (or avoid).
For example, you might ask:
- Was the implant dentist professional and experienced
- Were you satisfied with the services you received
- Would you visit them again
- Did you encounter any problems
- How much did the treatment cost
Ask them about the process involved, too. They can help you manage your expectations before you begin your treatment plan.
If you’re unable to gather personal recommendations, begin searching online instead. Build a list of dental implant specialists to choose from. Then, use the rest of these tips to find the best dentist on your list.
Review Credentials
Learn more about each dentist’s education, training, and credentials.
First, make sure they’re licensed to offer dentistry services in the state. Otherwise, remove them from your list right away.
Determine where the implant dentist completed their training, too. You can check their Healthgrades.com profile to learn more about their education and training. Make sure they graduated from an accredited dental institution.
Then, consider how long ago they completed their training.
Some patients feel more comfortable choosing a dentist who graduated years ago (and therefore has more experience). While it’s important to find an experienced professional, it’s also essential to make sure their knowledge is up-to-date. Confirm that the dentist continued their education after graduating.
Otherwise, there’s a chance they’re using outdated technology or techniques that might impact your experience as a patient. Outdated procedures can impact your recovery and downtime, too. Newer procedures, on the other hand, are often safer and more efficient.
As you review each dentist’s credentials, make sure to check their board certifications. For example, an implant dentist should belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Finding a professional with the proper credentials and licensing can help you feel more comfortable in their abilities before your procedure.
Look for Experience
Remember, it’s important to find someone with years of relevant experience in the industry, too. Their dental implant experience can benefit your experience as a patient. These dentists are less likely to make costly mistakes.
It’s also likely they’ve encountered different situations and problems over the years. The dentist can leverage their experience to determine the best solutions for your dental needs.
Look for a long-established dental practice as well. An established business has withstood competitors over time. It’s likely they’ve won the love, trust, and respect of their clients over the years.
Established practices are less likely to have operational (filing, billing, etc.) issues that can impact your experience as a patient, too. These teams will also know how to ensure the best possible patient experiences.
Before visiting a cosmetic dentist, determine how often they perform the dental implant procedure. Make sure they have years of dental implant experience that speaks to their abilities to offer the services you need. You can feel more confident in their abilities before you schedule your own procedure.
Check Their Services
As you learn more about each professional dental implant experience, consider the other services they offer, too. A cosmetic dentist can help develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
For example, you might feel concerned about discoloration, misalignment issues, or gaps in your smile.
Schedule a consultation appointment with your implant dentist to review your treatment options.
The dentist shouldn’t try to push a range of services on you. Instead, they should take the time to listen to your concerns and goals. Then, they should help you recognize the benefits of each treatment to ensure you make informed decisions.
Otherwise, ask about the types of dental implants they offer. Weigh the pros and cons of each one.
Schedule a Consultation
Before scheduling your dental implant procedure, schedule a consultation appointment at the dental office. While you wait, look around. Does the office look neat and organized?
Is the team professional and friendly?
Consider how long you’re forced to wait, too. If the office is overbooked, look elsewhere.
During your consultation appointment, ask questions about the procedure. Make sure you understand what the process entails. Have a plan in place after the procedure, too.
Compare Pricing
Before choosing an implant dentist, shop around. Gather quotes from more than one practice in town. Comparing implant costs can help you determine the average cost for treatment in your area.
Don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest option, though. Instead, review your notes. Look for a professional with years of dental implant experience.
Make an informed decision to ensure you’re choosing the best dentist in town.
Choosing an Implant Dentist: Schedule Your Appointment Today
Choosing an implant dentist is easier than you might think. Use these tips to start your search. Then, choose a dentist with dental implant experience you can count on.
With their help, you can improve the appearance of your smile to restore your self-confidence.
Eager to schedule your procedure? We can’t wait to see you.
Request an appointment today to get started.