If dental implants are what you need to
replace your missing teeth, you should select an implant dentist with in-depth knowledge
of, and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment. It is important to
know that treatment with tooth implants consists of two components: a surgical phase and a
restorative phase.
Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist,
performs the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and
laboratory technician, performs the restorative component.
As tooth implant dentistry
has become more sophisticated, the restorative dentist, at times, also has
become the one that places the dental implants. However, each clinician involved in
implant treatment must be aware that the type of final restoration a patient
wants dictates the position, size, and number of the tooth implants within the jaws.
What Types of Tooth Implant Restorations Are There?
For each unique missing tooth situation, there is an equally unique way to
use dental implants for tooth replacement. However, all of the treatments can be placed in
two categories: removable or fixed prostheses.
Implant dentists use removable implant dentures
when a patient is missing all of their teeth. Fewer tooth implants are necessary when
used in conjunction with a removable denture.
Conversely, more dental implants are necessary when
used in conjunction with a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges feel most like your
natural teeth and are usually more desirable than removable dentures.
Mastering new surgical and restorative techniques as they are developed is
the mark of an excellent tooth implant dentist as well as overall
implant dentistry. An implant dentist's meticulous attention
to fine detail conveys a feeling of confidence to the patient. The dentist
should be committed to restoring full function to the missing teeth as well as
recreating natural-looking teeth. These are the qualities a patient should look
for in an implant dentist.
