These days, it’s easy to find a dentist who places dental implants. But finding someone who truly specializes in this restorative procedure is a different matter. As you search for a dental implant dentist, make sure you look out for accreditation and special training. Keep reading to find out why these make all the difference for your dental implants in Houston.
Prosthodontists vs. General Dentists
Tooth replacement with dental implants requires oral surgery. When performed by an expert in an eligible candidate, dental implant procedures are highly successful. Taking the time to pick an expert will really pay off in the long run.
As you begin your search, you will find you can visit a general dentist or a prosthodontist. What’s the difference? A lot. A prosthodontist is someone who has undergone extensive education and training in the field of tooth replacement, including dental implant procedures. A general dentist may perform occasional dental implant placements or restorations along with their other services — but a specialist does these regularly for a variety of different cases, ranging from routine to very complex.
Affiliations for Dental Implant Dentists
There are also a number of professional organizations and continuing education opportunities for dental implant dentists. You can usually find out what organizations a dentist is involved in on their biography page on the website — if it is not listed here you can always call the office directly to ask or remember to inquire during a consultation.
Some of the affiliations or credentials you may want to look out for during your search include:
- Membership in the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Involvement with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- American Dental Association as well as local and state dental society membership
- Awards from magazines or peer organizations, like being named a Top Dentist or including on a Best Of [City] list
Other Considerations for an Implant Dentist
In addition to making sure the dentist you choose is a true expert, you will want to take note of other factors that can contribute to a positive outcome with your dental implant procedure. Take note of how the office operates during your consultation — does everything appear to run smoothly? Is your dental insurance accepted? And are there plenty of considerations to keep you comfortable throughout, like blankets, music, and sedation? These seemingly small details can really make a big difference in your overall experience.
Dental implant placement is usually a routine procedure, but you still want to make sure you are choosing a dentist who is a true expert in what they do. Keep these tips in mind for greatest success in your quest to rebuild your smile after tooth loss!
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Steve L. Koo and Dr. Tom W. Weil are prosthodontists offering high-quality care in implant dentistry. They specialize in a number of services including Houston dental implants, bone grafting before implant placement, and more. To learn more about their credentials and accreditations or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, you are invited to contact this office by calling 713-597-7340 today.