Over the past few years, an increasing number of people are choosing dental implants over traditional bridges or dentures; according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, in 2006, three million Americans had implant surgery, with that number increasing by over half a million each year. Whether you need a single implant or full teeth restoration, dental implants placed by a board-certified dental implant specialist are far superior to bridges or dentures because they are a permanent dental solution that appear and function as natural teeth.
Due to the increased popularity of dental implants, many dentists are jumping on the bandwagon and incorporating implant dentistry into their practice. Unfortunately, many don't have the training or knowledge required for such surgery. So, if you're searching for a dental implant specialist, read on before making a decision.
The Truth Concerning Dental Implant Costs
Many patients are overwhelmed by the cost of implants; the average cost for a single implant is approximately $3,500, while entire restorations average around $20,000 per arch (assuming no additional surgeries, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, are needed). Yet, when placed properly by a board-certified dental implant specialist, a dental implant is a permanent fixture that only requires traditional dental upkeep and bi-yearly cleanings. Traditional dental fixtures contribute to bone resorption and tooth decay, resulting in repeated replacements and higher costs over a lifetime. Economically, dental implants are superior to traditional dental fixtures.
In addition, patients can now choose dental implant centers, where the focus is solely on dentistry. These "all-in-one" centers have an on-site staff comprised of board-certified dentistry implant specialists, including prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, as well as dentistry lab technicians who work together to create the perfect implant(s) for each patient. A dentistry center eliminates the need for repeated visits to the dentist and dentistry specialist performing the procedure; choosing an "all-in-one" dentistry center spares the patient's time, and ultimately, saves the patient money.
Choosing a "Board-Certified" Dental Implant Specialist: What It Means and why It Matters
Did you know that any practicing dentist can legally perform implant surgery? That's a scary thought, considering the majority of those dentists performing implant surgery usually receive little training (if any), consisting of a few weekend seminars. (I don't know about you, but days go by so quickly, I hardly remember what yesterday consisted of...I can't imagine learning years' worth of training in a few short weekends!) What is "board-certified"? According to the American Board of Oral Implantology, a board-certified dentistry specialist is accredited by the ABOI/ID (American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry), symbolizing the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. These candidates must complete dental school and/or a two-year program in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Prosthodontics or Periodontics in the United States or Canada in order to apply for certification. They also must successfully finish the two-part examination within four years to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology.
Ask Questions
As with any surgical procedure, experience is essential. When choosing a dentistry specialist, don't be afraid to ask for credentials, before and after testimonials, as well as his/her success rate. Whether you're considering a dentistry center or your dentist and a board-certified practitioner, asking questions is key to finding a practitioner who will deliver great customer service and amazing results.
Ashley Wesley writes SEO content for clients seeking. He enjoys the challenge of writing about new, state-of-the-art medical and dental technology. He also enjoys helping clients find the best dental implant specialist as well as the benefits of choosing a dental implant center .
No comments:
Post a Comment