There are nearly 197,000 dentists located throughout the US. If you’re interested in dental implants to improve the state of your smile, it’s important to find the right dentist. Not every dental professional in your area has dental implant experience, after all.
Here are six tips you can use before you choose dentists for implants. With these tips, you can narrow down your options and feel confident in your choice.
The best dentist for implants can improve your smile, improving your oral health in the process, too.
Start searching for the best dental implant dentist in town with these tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
Over 50% of Americans feel insecure about their teeth. About 61% wish they could change something about their smiles. You might know someone who visited a dentist for dental implants in the past.
As you build a list of dentists to choose from, turn to friends and family members.
Ask if they can provide a reference or help you choose dentists for implants. They might help you build your list.
As you speak with each friend, make sure to ask for a firsthand account of their experience. Make a list of questions you want to ask about their procedure. For example, you might ask:
- Was the dentist experienced
- Were the offices clean
- Was the staff friendly
- Did you encounter any issues
- Are you happy with your teeth
Once you have a list of dentists to choose from, you can use the rest of these tips to narrow down your options.
2. Check for Credentials
Before choosing a dentist, it’s important to make sure they have the proper credentials.
First, make sure each dentist on your list is licensed to practice in the state. Learn more about their training and education, too.
Confirm that each dentist on your list graduated from an accredited institution. Determine if they also have additional board certifications.
You can learn more about each dentist’s credentials by checking the About Us page on their website. Otherwise, check their HealthGrades.com listing.
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist, make sure they belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Confirm that the dentist remains up-to-date with relevant advancements in their field, too.
Dentists who strive to continue their education will know about the latest technologies, procedures, and techniques available. They also strive to offer their patients the best experiences and treatments.
You can also feel confident knowing your dentist hasn’t fallen behind over the years.
3. Look for Experience
It’s not enough to find a dentist with the proper credentials, though. Make sure each dentist on your list has relevant dental implant experience, too.
First, determine how long each dentist has worked in the industry. Consider how many patients they’ve helped within that time.
Did they close their practice for a few years? Make sure their experience is recent, too.
Consider how often the dentist completes dental implant procedures as well. A dentist with hands-on dental implant experience is less likely to make costly mistakes. You can feel confident choosing a more experienced dentist.
If they only recently opened their own practice, consider finding another dentist in the area.
A long-established dental practice has likely earned the trust and respect of local patients. Chances are, they’re doing something right.
An experienced dentist will also have an easier time answering your questions about the procedure. You can ask them about different types of dental implants. Consider what might impact your implant’s longevity, too.
If the dentist struggles to answer your questions during your consultation appointment, keep searching.
4. Read Reviews
Head online to find reviews from patients who were once in your shoes. Reading online patient reviews can help you learn more about each dentist.
Check the dentist’s website for a Testimonials page. Otherwise, check their Better Business Bureau and Google Business profile. Look for a dentist who already has a strong reputation in the area.
Do you see the same complaints repeat between different patients? If so, remove that dentist from your list. Chances are, you’ll experience the same problems.
Look for comments about the dentist’s chair-side manner and professionalism as well.
You can also check for before and after photos. These photos can help you determine if the dentist’s services meet your expectations.
5. Schedule a Consultation
Before you choose dentists for implants, schedule consultation appointments with one or two options on your list. Then, talk to each dentist about your needs and goals. Have them walk you through what the implant procedure entails, too.
Pay attention to how the dentist speaks and acts. Are they confident, friendly, and honest?
Make a note of your comfort level, too. Make sure you’re choosing a dentist you’re comfortable around.
Ask the dentist about other services they offer. You might want to consider other cosmetic dentistry services in the future.
During your appointment, look around the offices. Make sure the offices (especially procedure rooms) are clean and sterile.
Consider the staff as well. Are they friendly, inviting, and able to answer your questions?
Otherwise, think about where the practice is located. If there are complications, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the office is near your home or work.
6. Consider Pricing
Before leaving each office, ask the dentist how much their dental implant services cost. Gather estimates from more than one local dentist.
Comparing implant costs will help you gauge the average price in your area. Pricing can vary based on where you’re located.
Determine if any of the dentists accept your insurance, too. Cosmetic procedures usually aren’t covered by insurance. However, you might need to visit the same dentist for another procedure in the future.
How to Choose Dentists for Implants: 6 Tips to Finding Your New Smile
Learning how to choose dentists for implants shouldn’t feel as stressful as the procedure itself. Instead, use these six tips to start narrowing down your options. Choose a professional with dental implant experience you can trust.
With their help, you can improve your smile and start grinning with renewed confidence.
Ready to schedule your appointment? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us today to get started.
