More than 170 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are a permanent way of replacing missing teeth. They appear and function as real teeth, but when getting the procedure done, it is very important to see someone who specializes in performing the surgery.
Specialists Have More Training
While a licensed dentist can undergo a weekend course to learn how to perform dental implant surgery, the course may not cover every situation. Someone who specializes in dental implants has undergone extensive training and learned how to handle many types of situations. He or she not only understands how to perform the basic procedure, but will also know what to do in the case of complications.
Specialists Have More Experience
Because a surgical specialist performs the dental implant procedure so often, he or she will be more experienced in performing the work you need. The procedures are ingrained in his or her mind, so complications are less likely to occur. Although general dentists can adequately perform the surgery, they may not do so as often and may even need to brush up on their knowledge before doing so.
Specialists Have a Higher Success Rate
Although most information websites and brochures tell you that dental implants have a success rate of about 95 percent, they aren’t telling you the entire story. The high success rate is because most dental implant surgeries are performed by specialists. In fact, the American Dental Association published a study in July 2014 that stated more than 18 percent of dental implants placed by general dentists fail. This percentage is significantly higher than the failure rate of implants placed by specialists.
Specialists Are Ready to Answer Your Questions
A specialist will likely be able to answer your questions more thoroughly before and after the procedure. Drs. Lindsay and Christie Eastman specializes in performing dental implant surgeries. To learn more, contact our office today.
