Dental Implants: What to Expect and Tips for Success

The prevalence of sugary and acidic substances in modern diets means that many people today end up losing their teeth as they get older. For many of them, this can be uncomfortable, unsightly, or both, but luckily there are procedures available to help restore the mouth’s natural appearance and function.

One option is having dental implants put in place. These are permanent metal structures which are inserted into the gums to act like the roots of missing teeth. Once they are in place, an artificial tooth or crown can be placed on top.

This is a delicate procedure which is usually carried out in stages over several months. This means that if you are considering dental implants, you will want a reliable dentist with whom you can have a good relationship. This short guide is designed to help you find one.

Who can perform a dental implant procedure?

As you may know, there are different types of dentists. Every dentist trains as a general dentist, but some procedures can only be performed by specialists who have additional qualifications. Dental implants are not one of those procedures. They can be carried out by general dentists. h

However, some general dentists may not wish to perform the surgery themselves and will refer you to a specialist. Alternatively, you might choose a specialist over a general dentist because they tend to have more experience and expertise. The specialists who also typically perform dental implant procedures are:

– Oral surgeons: These specialise in performing complex surgeries in the mouth and on the gums. Compared to other procedures they can perform, dental implant placements are very straightforward.

– Periodontists: These specialise in the structures that support teeth, which is exactly what dental implants replace. Their expertise means they can carry out dental implant placements very well.

How to find a good dentist for dental implants

Many dentists can do dental implants, but as a patient, it is only natural to want to find the safest and most reliable option. Here are some simple ways you can do that:  

1. Read their reviews: Find implant dentists near you by searching for “dental implants Sunshine Coast” or similar. Once you have some dentists’ names, look for reviews on third-party websites as these are likely to be less biased than testimonials on the dentist’s own page.
2. Look for experience: This does not only mean how long you have been a practicing dentist. As a rough guideline, look for a dentist who performs 50+ implants per year, and has performed 500 or more in total. Don’t be afraid to ask.  
3. Qualifications: You can safely assume that the dentists at any clinics you find in Australia graduated from dental school, but many do not have additional qualifications in dental implants or other dental surgeries. This doesn’t mean they cannot do the procedure, but you might reasonably expect better results from someone who has had that additional training.

Dental procedures can seem scary, and knowing you have picked a good dentist can help put your mind at ease. Once it’s all done, remember to take care of your implants by brushing with a good toothpaste twice per day, flossing, and having regular check-ups to make sure your dental implant procedure was not wasted.

Share:

Leave a Comment