Things You Should Know About Dental Implants
CT scans and dental implants:
Utilizing a CT scan with every dental implant surgery is not a common practice but we feel that dental implant surgery should never be performed without a CT scan as it offers the only true three dimension representation the jaw. CT Scans are integral part of a safe and successful dental implant surgery.
Training of the dentist placing implants:
Highly trained general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and now endodontists are the most common dentists placing implants. There is no such thing as an implant dentist as implant dentistry is not a dental specialty. Dental implant surgery is a dental procedure that is integrated into several specialties including general dentistry.
Experience in implant surgery:
Experience and routine frequency of implant surgery play an important part of successful dental implant. One of the most common reasons of dental implant failure is inadequate implant placement.
Implant related procedure knowledge, training and experience:
The most important requirement for dental implants is the presence of adequate amount of bone height and width. Many patients believe that they can’t have a dental implant because they were told that they don’t have enough bone. The fact is the current technology in bone grafting techniques and materials allow for the restructuring the jaw bone in any relatively healthy individual in the vast majority of cases.
Dental implant manufacturer and type of dental implant:
The competition in the dental implant manufacturing industry is ferocious. Many new manufacturers try to gain an edge quickly over others within the industry by copying other popular dental implant designs without any supportive human studies. These implants are referred to as, clones, copies or knock-off dental implants. They are introduced at a much lower price than the original implants which makes it an attractive option to many dentists. These manufacturers tend to save on parts, components and minor details that may lead to ultimate implant failure through breakage and of the dental implant or related components. Keep in mind that FDA approval is not required for an implant to be placed and marketed in the United States. There are many responsible dental implants manufacturers that participate in research and studies and their implants are frequently copied. Some of the most popular original dental implant manufacturers include: Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, BioHorizons, Straumann, 3i and Astra.
These are some of the most important things that you should know before having a dental implant surgery. You should ask these questions during your consult. Your strongest advocate is you, so you should ask the tough questions and seek a second opinion.