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If you’ve reached this page, then you’ve already decided that dental implants are right for you. Congratulations! But here comes the next challenge: which dental implant provider is best for you?
Factors For Your Decision
Not all implant providers undergo the same education or have the same experience. There may not be one located close to home, or one who offers other services you may need. We’ve compiled a short list of factors to keep in mind when narrowing down your choices for a provider.
Education
For dentists who strive to be dental implant providers, it’s not enough to just get their DDS. Search for a provider who’s put in the time and energy to learn about dental implants. In addition, providers who are vigilant with their continuing education can be trusted to know the latest in implant technology and surgical techniques. Ask about the courses they have taken, certifications they have received, or a list of their active memberships (see below).
Memberships
Due to the advanced nature of implant placement and maintenance, it’s expected that dentists undergo frequent training to stay up-to-date. But what adds significant value is the time they have devoted to learning with implant organizations around the country. Search for a dental implant provider who is an active member in organizations such as:
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Misch International Implant Institute
Experience
It’s perfectly fine to ask how long the provider has been placing implants. Don’t be afraid to ask how many implants they have placed, and about their success rate.
Can they provide before and after photos of real cases they’ve worked on? These can show you their quality of skill, including how they’ve handled complicated cases in the past. Another sign of good experience is the services they can provide, or refer you to, to better prepare you for implants. For example, ask if they provide bone grafts or soft tissue augmentations, or can clear your mouth of any tooth decay or gum disease, before receiving dental implants.
Location
Just because an implant provider situated hundreds of miles away says they’re the best, that doesn’t mean this is true. You may be surprised to find that perfectly competent and caring implant providers live here, in your hometown. If you chose to go out-of-town for a provider, take into account what the costs of transportation may be, whether by public transport or on your personal vehicle. Factor in the cost of gas, food, or even lodging if necessary.
Technology
An implant provider who invests the time in continuing education can provide the latest techniques in placing and maintaining implants. However, some of these advancements can’t be achieved without the technology to back it up. During your consultation, ask about the type of technology that they house in-office. This can include any CBCT scanners, intraoral cameras, milling machines and more. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- CBCT Scanner: This is typically a panorama x-ray scanner, and can take full 3D or a rounded 2D picture of your mouth and skull. They reveal all the hidden details of your oral health, including bone density, damaged teeth, and more.
- Intraoral Camera: An intraoral camera is a small camera fixed to a wand that can be inserted into the mouth and take individual, surface-level pictures of any teeth. These pictures can be saved to your records and used to keep track of diseases or prepare for advanced treatments.
- Milling Machine: A milling machine is a device that creates crowns, veneers, or sometimes bridges all in-house without a need for a laboratory. The machine uses a piece of porcelain or ceramic to carve the dental piece, based on scans of the patient’s mouth.
Temperament
It’s an unusual question, but an important one: do you get along with the implant provider? You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time with this dentist, from appointments to implant maintenance, so it’s important that you know how well you get along with them. Also take stock of their office, how clean it is, or what the team is like during your appointments.
If you do get along with them, do they offer other services in their practice? Can you see yourself, or even your family, continuing to come for other dental care needs in the future?
Why Choose St. Louis County Dental Partnership?
Dr. Barry Brace and the rest of our talented team are more than just dental care providers. We are dental perfectionists, striving to provide the perfect smile for patients of all dental conditions. Whether you’re in need of one dental implant or a full arch, they have the skill and technology to achieve your dream smile.
In addition, our practice also offers other cosmetic dentistry treatments, including crowns, teeth whitening, and veneers. For patients who have dental anxiety, we are one of the 1% of practices nationwide that is certified to administer oral conscious sedation. This means you can attend your appointments and procedures feeling extremely relaxed and calm.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, our hardworking team is here to help. Oftentimes, sleep apnea patients need oral devices to position their jaw in such a way that it helps them to breathe better at night. Ask us about how you can qualify for sleep apnea treatment.
Contact Us About Your Implant Inquiries
If you feel you’re ready to take the plunge into dental implants, then the next step is to contact us here in St. Louis, MO. Our team is ready to help, and we’ll be happy to set you up with our $1 consultation. You can speak with Dr. Barry Brace or Dr. Tim Grayem about implants, get to know our office and make a decision on how you want to proceed.
