Have you started hiding your beautiful smile, afraid that people will notice your missing tooth? Concealing your smile can affect your self-confidence. Meanwhile, that missing tooth can affect your oral and overall health over time.
Instead of leaving a gap in your otherwise beautiful smile, visit a dental implant specialist. Not sure which dentist to choose? Read on to learn how to find an experienced, reliable specialist today!
Gather Referrals
It’s possible you know someone who has needed a dental implant specialist in the past. By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth. Start your search by speaking with friends and family members in the area.
Gathering referrals can help you find a specialist worthy of your trust. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask each patient ahead of time.
Learning about their experience will help you learn about each dentist. It will also help you learn what to expect before your own implant surgery. Here are a few questions you can ask:
- Is the dentist experienced?
- Do they specialize in implant dentistry?
- Where is their practice located?
- Was the staff friendly?
- How long did it take?
- Are you satisfied with the results?
Ask each patient if they would visit the same specialist again. If they had an unhappy experience, ask what the dentist did to try and fix the problem. Look for a staff that cares about their patients.
If you can’t gather referrals, head online to look for patient reviews.
Patient Reviews
You can find patient reviews on Yelp, Google Business, and BBB. Read a handful of reviews from each website.
Though you can also find patient reviews on the dental practice’s website, these are often handpicked. Reading reviews from multiple sources will give you a well-rounded view of each dentist.
Look for comments about the dentist’s professionalism and bedside manner. Avoid an implant specialist if you see the same negative comment between multiple patients.
Don’t make snap judgments after reading a few reviews, though. Your experience could be different. Instead, use reviews to feel more confident about your final decision.
Check Dental Training
As you learn more about each specialist, make sure to consider their dental training. Look for a qualified dentist with credentials you can trust.
Start by determining where and when they completed their education and dental training. Confirm they have a diploma from an accredited institution. If they graduated decades ago, look for dentists that continued their education over time.
A team that prioritizes continuing their education understands new technologies, procedures, and trends. They can provide the best possible service. For example, using the latest technologies can help reduce your recovery time.
If the implant specialist is a cosmetic dentist, they may belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Make sure their membership is active.
Confirm that they’re licensed to practice dentistry in the state.
Finding a dentist with up-to-date credentials can help you feel confident in your decision. They’ll have an easier time answering your questions and providing the best possible care.
Look for Experience
Before choosing a dental implant specialist, look into their experience. Find a dentist with years of experience practicing dentistry in the area. Their hands-on experience will speak to their level of expertise.
An experienced dentist is less likely to make mistakes. They’ll have learned from treating patients over time.
An established practice likely runs like a well-oiled machine. These teams have outlasted competing practices in the area. They likely have efficient processes in place to improve your patient experience.
A new practice, on the other hand, may experience billing and scheduling issues.
Ask each dentist how long and how often they perform implant surgery. There’s been an increase in the procedure’s prevalence over time. If the dentist hasn’t performed the procedure recently, remove them from your list.
Review Photos
Ask to see before and after photos of some of the dentist’s recent dental implant patients. Looking at photos can help you manage your expectations. You can see how the results of your procedure may look.
Consider Other Services
Before making your final decision, learn more about the dentist’s practice. Determine what other services they offer. You can find complementary services that will align with your cosmetic dentistry goals.
For example, you can whiten your teeth after implant surgery. Your dental implant will match your surrounding teeth. Whitening your entire smile, however, can enhance your appearance and confidence.
The dentist may offer other tooth replacement options. Ask which best suits your needs.
Talk to the dentist about the other services they’d recommend during your consultation appointment. With their help, you can choose services that will improve your appearance and oral health.
Ask each dental practice for an itemized list of the services they offer. Compare prices between three local practices. Don’t choose the cheapest option available.
Instead, determine which practices accept your insurance. Your dental insurance may not cover dental implants. If not, determine if the practice offers financing options.
Schedule a Consultation
Start narrowing down your options to scheduling a consultation appointment with three implant specialists. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time. Learn as much as you can about the procedure.
If the dentists struggle to answer your questions, they may lack the experience and expertise you’re looking for. Ask questions about their dental training and experience. Learn about the aftercare plan for dental implant surgery.
While at each dentist’s practice, look around. Is the staff friendly, professional, and inviting? Is the dental practice clean?
Consider your experience speaking with the dentist. Were they kind and professional? If you felt uncomfortable around the dentist, remove them from your list.
Once you’ve met with three local specialists, review your notes. Make an informed decision based on your needs and comfort.
Find Your Dental Implant Specialist
Finding the best dental implant specialist in town shouldn’t feel stressful. Instead, use these simple tips to streamline your search. With these tips, you can find a specialist who can restore your smile with the best dental implants.
Ready for your implant surgery? Garden Springs Dental is your premier destination for family dental care and implants! Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care.
Schedule your first visit. Let’s discuss your dental implant needs today!
