DoDentalImplantsLastaLifetime?

Implant dentistry has been practiced by periodontists and oral surgeons since the 1970s. There is over 50 years of research proving that dental implants are a predictable long-term option when placed by an experienced surgeon. In fact, the data shows a lifetime success rate of over 98%!

Dental Implants are a Science, not a Technique

It takes years of academic training and practice to master and achieve this skill – and this level of success. Recently, more general dentists are offering to surgically place dental implants. However, their training is typically in the range of 40-100 hours of coursework, compared to the three-year, full-time residency which is required to be a Board-Certified Periodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon. This is one reason why the American Dental Academy (ADA) stipulates that only periodontists (not even oral surgeons) can call themselves dental implant surgeons. There are a number of other reasons why it is important to choose a periodontist for your treatment – all of which involve maintaining the health of your implants. Periodontists focus on the gum and bone surrounding your teeth and implants. We also learn full-mouth treatment planning with the capability of saving your teeth, not just replacing them. Unlike any other fields in dentistry, a periodontist can regenerate gum and bone on your teeth and implants. This allows us save teeth ailing from a bad bite and gum disease.

Our surgical skill within the mouth is unparalleled. An oral surgeon is a maxillofacial specialist whose training is focused outside the oral cavity, on the maxilla mandible spaces. This is why they are the right choice for buried wisdom teeth extractions.

Another reason for our success rate is that periodontists support the long-term health of the implants we place with strong hygiene practices. We not only surgically place the implant, but we monitor and follow up with the treatments during your routine cleanings on an annual or biannual basis. This allows us to diagnosis and treat any implant problems, regardless of their complexity. Oral surgeons do not provide this service and cannot monitor your treatments in the future.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Expense?

Costs vary depending on the number of implants, the type of prosthesis and bone grafting. In addition, there is as much range in the cost of dental implants as there is in the quality. Proven and pre- dictable treatment outcomes involve the use of dental implants from manufacturers that have perfected the design based on decades of research involving thousands of their implants.

Less expensive implant options often lack proper research and follow up. Many of these companies target general dentists to do short training programs in order to sell their implants to them. Unfortunately, while cheaper implants do create a range in the cost, the patient assumes the risks in order for a general dentist to provide a service for a couple of hundred dollars less.

When it comes to making a decision about dental implants, I advise my patients not to compromise on the quality. Keep in mind that you are considering a treatment that should last a lifetime, so it is more important to take into account the value. While dental implants may be more costly than options such as removable dentures, the long-term value makes them a great financial investment. For more information, call (201) 664-3023 or visit their office at 354 Old Hook Road #201 or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.