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How to find a reputable implant dentist

  • Thread starter Scared all the time
  • Start date
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Scared all the time

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Jan 21, 2019
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NJ
Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I was wondering how I would even go about finding someone good at preforming implants/ sinus lifts grafts ect. I mean how would I know? I don’t know anyone that has one so how does one go about finding someone (a good specialist) in my area? I’m sorry if this sounds like a stupid question I just have no clue and not too thrilled with my current dentist. I’ve only ever need cleaning in the past so this is all new to me. Thanks in advance!
 
I had a referral from my dentist and my endodontist.
 
Really a good question to ask.
I know excellent implant dentists from different fields. There are periodontists, oral surgeons(OMS) and general dentists who place implants. There are some periodontists who don't take out teeth unless they are very easy to remove while others will remove more challenging teeth. Other periodontists may not do sinus lifts , block bone grafts, or titanium mesh grafting; however some do these procedures. There are plenty of general dentists who only place more straight forward implants while some perform rather complex procedures.
So who do you pick? Anyone who has made implant dentistry important to their practice and can manage the expected complications to see your case through to completion would be fine. I will add that an excellent generalist has the advantage that they will restore your implant to look and function like a tooth. I personally got involved with the surgical phase many years ago because I was tired of having to spend time and money to make a poorly placed implant function well.
Ask them if they are a member of any of the implant societies and if they have any level of credentialing.
* I did have my implant and sinus lift performed by a general dentist.
 
Really a good question to ask.
I know excellent implant dentists from different fields. There are periodontists, oral surgeons(OMS) and general dentists who place implants. There are some periodontists who don't take out teeth unless they are very easy to remove while others will remove more challenging teeth. Other periodontists may not do sinus lifts , block bone grafts, or titanium mesh grafting; however some do these procedures. There are plenty of general dentists who only place more straight forward implants while some perform rather complex procedures.
So who do you pick? Anyone who has made implant dentistry important to their practice and can manage the expected complications to see your case through to completion would be fine. I will add that an excellent generalist has the advantage that they will restore your implant to look and function like a tooth. I personally got involved with the surgical phase many years ago because I was tired of having to spend time and money to make a poorly placed implant function well.
Ask them if they are a member of any of the implant societies and if they have any level of credentialing.
* I did have my implant and sinus lift performed by a general dentist.
You have had a sinus lift? That’s another fear I have mine would be for an upper second molar. What would you advice be for getting an implant for that tooth?
 
It wasn't painful BUT it was awkward.
Of course since I have performed sinus lifts I knew exactly what was happening the entire time. The surgery is the most delicate one performed in dentistry as the sinus membrane is very thin and easily torn. Also the dentist is working through your mouth into the back then sideways through a smaller hole into your sinus while holding up the tissue which takes some effort.
It is MOST important that you hold still even if there is water in your mouth. Be sure you are able to nasal breath. This may require use of a decongestant or nasal spray.
Some sedation would be welcomed by many. I had just local.
 
It wasn't painful BUT it was awkward.
Of course since I have performed sinus lifts I knew exactly what was happening the entire time. The surgery is the most delicate one performed in dentistry as the sinus membrane is very thin and easily torn. Also the dentist is working through your mouth into the back then sideways through a smaller hole into your sinus while holding up the tissue which takes some effort.
It is MOST important that you hold still even if there is water in your mouth. Be sure you are able to nasal breath. This may require use of a decongestant or nasal spray.
Some sedation would be welcomed by many. I had just local.
Thank you. Was your for a upper 2nd molar?
 
Also can a bone graft be done after an extraction has been performed and healed?
 
I follow this rule... Anything above gum line, dentist, anything below gum line oral surgeon or endodontist. I had a horrible second molar extraction by a dentist, which is probably rare but never again. Its what oral surgeons do daily and endodontists do root canals daily. Haven't had any issues since following my new rules :)
 
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