I’ve decided to get four dental implants because the older I get, the more my teeth shift due to the four missing ones. I have some anxiety about dental implant failure, so I’ve had five consultations in three towns within 45 minutes of where I live. I’ve had four consultations with dentists and one with an oral surgeon. Two of the three dentists do implant surgery, bone grafting, and restoration. However, after seeing the oral surgeon, I am unsure of whether I should let a dentist do bone grafting. Am I increasing the risks of dental implant failure by choosing a dentist who can complete the entire procedure? Thanks, Steve from Hershey, PA
Steven,
Many general dentists perform oral surgery regularly and develop strong skills over time. If your dentist has been doing bone grafting for several years, it’s likely that they have become proficient. Some general dentists are comfortable with advanced procedures such as sinus lifts and removing impacted teeth.
What Should You Look for in an Implant Dentist?
Bone grafting is vital to ensuring dental implant stability
When choosing a dentist for dental implants, credentials, implants, and cosmetic dentistry matter more than a specific specialty title. If you want a dentist to perform the implant surgery and bone graft, consider seeking one with advanced training.
Several continuing education institutions are well respected in the field of implant dentistry:
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Misch Implant Institute
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Engel Institute
A dentist with credentials from one or more of these programs has demonstrated commitment to advanced learning and is more likely to provide excellent care in complex implant cases.
An Alternative to an Implant Dentist
You may prefer an expert cosmetic dentist who works with an oral surgeon for reliable dental implants. An advanced cosmetic dentist can provide comfortable, natural-looking implant crowns that perfectly match your surrounding teeth.
Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Read our financial policies for options to pay for dental treatment.