Finding the right dental implants for your needs requires knowing who can offer them. Here is everything to know about how to choose an implant dentist.
According to the National Institute of Health, dental implant procedures have
been on the rise since 1999. The total number of procedures performed in the US could increase by 23% before 2026. If you're missing a tooth, consider scheduling a dental implant procedure.
Not sure how to choose an implant dentist in Stockton, CA you can trust? Here are a few tips to help simplify your search.
With these tips, you can review your options for implant dentists to find the most qualified candidate. Start searching today.
Gather Referrals
To build a list of options, talk to friends, coworkers, and family members who live in Stockton, CA. Prioritize speaking with anyone who underwent a dental implant procedure in the past. You can learn from their experience as a patient.
Ask questions about the dentist they visited. For example:
- Where is the practice located
- Does the dentist specialize
- How long did the procedure take
- Are you satisfied with the results
- Did you experience complications
- How much did the procedure cost
- Was the dentist professional and friendly
If you're unable to talk to a friend about the procedure, look online for patient reviews. Check Google Business, Healthgrades.com, Yelp, and other online directories.
Don't rush to trust or avoid a dentist based on their star rating. Instead, read a few reviews from each site. Look for comments that repeat between different patients to get a well-rounded idea of each dentist.
You might see comments about billing or insurance issues, scheduling problems, or a lack of professionalism. If you see an abundance of the same comments for a single dentist, you'll likely encounter the same problems. Reading online reviews can help you determine which dentists on your list to continue researching.
Try to find a dentist who already has a glowing reputation. These professionals are more likely to maintain their standard of care.
Check Qualifications
When reviewing your options for implant dentists, it's important to ensure they have the proper training and qualifications.
Check each dentist's website "About Us" page or Healthgrades.com profile to learn about their academic history.
Confirm the dentist has a(n):
- Doctorate (DMD or DDS) from an accredited dental school
- Complete residency in dentistry
- Active license to practice in the state
- Extensive experience practicing
Determine what courses each dentist took and if they have any professional accreditations or memberships with local or national associations. Make sure each association is legitimate.
It's not enough to confirm that each dentist on your list received qualifications in the past. Learn more about the technology they use within their office. Make sure they're trained and qualified to use the latest techniques and operate any new technology.
For example, they might use state-of-the-art CEREC milling equipment to create the crown for your dental implant.
If the dentist hasn't continued their education after graduating (especially if it was over a decade ago), continue your search. Finding an implant dentist with up-to-date training and qualifications can ease any dental anxiety you're experiencing.
These dentists will ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Look for Experience
To narrow down your list of dentists, consider how long they've practiced. There are over
185,890 dental businesses in the US. Consider how long each dentist has owned their practice.
Remember, a dentist new to the industry is more inclined to make mistakes. Someone with decades of experience might use outdated procedures or technology. Try to find someone with years of experience and up-to-date knowledge.
An experienced dentist should have an easier time answering any questions you have about the procedure.
Ask for Photos
Make sure the results from each dental implant procedure align with your expectations. Ask each dentist if they can provide before and after photos of other implant patients. Did the implant improve their smile?
Dental implants are made using different materials. The dentist should also match the implant color with the color of the patient's surrounding teeth. If the implant looks obvious (such as a different shade), keep searching.
Discuss Treatment
Schedule a consultation appointment with two or three local dentists on your list. During the consultation, ask questions to fill in any gaps in the research you gathered.
Ask the dentist if you're an ideal candidate for the dental implant procedure. You should:
- Have good oral health
- Be in good health for surgery
- Have a healthy jawbone
- Not smoke
You'll need to have a healthy jawbone to ensure it's able to hold the dental implant.
During the procedure, the dentist will surgically place the implant (or abutment, which looks like a screw) into your jawbone. The abutment will hold the dental crown in place.
You'll need to schedule more than one appointment for this procedure. Once the implant is placed, your jaw will need to heal around the implant (osseointegration).
Make sure the dentist walks you through potential risks and side effects. If they don't inform you of the risks beforehand, keep searching. Determine if they offer other
dental services that align with your needs, too.
Consider Financing
Check with more than one dental office to determine how much their dental implant procedure costs. Determine if they accept your insurance coverage. If not, ask if they offer financing options.
Don't make your final choice based on pricing. Instead, review your notes to choose the best implant dentist for the job.
Choose an Implant Dentist You Can Trust
Knowing how to choose an implant dentist requires thorough research. Use these tips to narrow down your list of options. Then, choose a qualified, experienced dentist who has your oral health and needs in mind.
With their help, you can improve your smile without complications.
Need to schedule your procedure right away? We're here for you.
Contact us now to get started.
