Dental implants are rapidly increasing in popularity. Today, a majority of dental offices are adding dental implant solutions into their list of services. However, when you need to replace your lost or severely cracked tooth, you’ll quickly realize that not all these dentists can render incredible services that you hoped for.
One of the best ways to differentiate an excellent dental facility from the rest is by knowing the right kinds of questions to ask. Here are top questions you should ask a potential dental implant specialist:
What area do you specialize in?
Dentists, like other medical practitioners, specialize in different areas. Just as you can’t go to a general practitioner for a difficult chest problem is the same way you can’t go to a general dentist for single-tooth implants. It’s true that general dentists can still perform the procedure; however, they won’t be as good as the ones who have gone through additional years of training to gain more knowledge and skills around dental implants.
How experienced are you?
It’s one thing to specialize in dental implants and another to have enough experience to execute the procedure successfully. So, in addition to specialization, find out how long the dentist has been in practice and the number of cases similar to yours they have handled successfully. You may also want to check out their certifications and accreditations and any other additional resource for further insights.
Do you have case studies of your previous procedures that I can see?
You can’t just take the dentist’s word and run with it – you want hard proof to establish whether what they are telling you is true or not. Ask for some before and after images of their past procedures that are similar to yours. You can also ask for contacts of some of their previous clients, and contact them to find out how their experience with the dentist was.
Do you offer a comprehensive initial exam before diagnosis and treatment?
A good dentist is one who is interested in the success of your implants as well as your long-term dental health, not just the missing tooth. Find out whether they perform evaluations like oral cancer screening, TMJ function, gum health, bone size and shape, tooth wear, a pattern of looseness, overall bite function, etc., on top of fixing the mixing tooth.
Do you have the latest technology to offer the best care?
Advanced technology allows faster and effective treatment –you want to take advantage of this to make the most from the process. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the dentist has the latest technologies and treatment options including digital x-rays, 3D scans, lasers, growth factors, Platelet Rich Plasma and so on.
How much will I pay for my dental implant procedure?
The cost of installing dental implants will vary from one facility to the next, so it only makes sense to want to find out how much the dentist charges. Knowing the cost of the procedure upfront will not only help you find a perfect fit for you but also learn about the different treatment options that are available. If you are working on a tight budget, your dentist may recommend an affordable way of restoring your beautiful smile and proper functioning.