Choosing an Implant Dentist

Why a little research can go a long way

Whilst people generally select their dentist due to a number of factors such as availability, location or simple factors such as how welcome they feel at their practice; when looking for a dentist to perform more complicated procedures such as a dental implant, it is wise to do a little more research before taking the plunge.

Having a dental implant is quite a complex procedure whereby, following detailed assessments, a hole is drilled into the jawbone to accept the implant and a crown attached to it via a collar called an abutment. Of course, using any dentist who only had a limited amount of knowledge for such a procedure would be a frightening prospect indeed. Consequently, making an informed choice about your implant dentist is very important.

Darren Bywater

Experienced implant dentists such as Darren Bywater in Derby, have actually undergone many years of intensive training to be able to perform this increasingly popular procedure which enables a lost tooth to be replaced with this excellent substitute. Some, like Darren, are also actively involved in mentoring other dentists who wish to perform this procedure within their own practice.

Getting down to details

Whilst the previous description of dental implants is basically correct, there are many more factors involved in this procedure. Even before the procedure starts, it has to be decided whether the patient is suitable to have the implant. Whilst, in most cases, people can have them without problems, there are factors such as bone density which have to be taken into account, and this is determined through scans and x-rays. Where the dentist determines that the current bone structure would not support an implant, it is likely that a bone graft would be necessary prior to the procedure.

A patient’s overall health plays an important role too in the success, or otherwise, of a dental implant. For example, if the patient is a smoker, the dentist must emphasise the negative role that smoking plays in the procedure. In some ways, a dentist has to play a small psychological role and decide, after discussions with the patient, whether the patient really would stop smoking for the period either side of the procedure to ensure its success. In cases where the dentist is convinced that this would not happen, he may feel that it is better to recommend an alternative procedure.

When it comes to the actual procedure itself, the study of the x-rays and scans are extremely important and will determine the exact positioning of the implants. Understanding these scans is an essential part of the procedure, and getting this right is important to ensure the best outcome.

The ‘hole drilling’ too, whilst sounding unsophisticated is actually performed with special tools. The implant itself must be made from pure titanium as this is the only metal which ensures the strong fusing between the bone and the implant, the factor which makes this procedure such a strong alternative to dentures and other tooth replacement techniques.

Comfort

Of course, as well as the medical knowledge and skills of the dentist, other factors do come into play when choosing your dentist to perform a dental implant procedure and the welcoming approach of the staff at the practice, along with the environment and the friendliness of the dentist himself should not be ignored.

Not many people actually enjoy having dental work done, let’s not delude ourselves. However, at Derby Dental Implants, we are fully aware of this and endeavour to do all that we can to make your visit as pleasant and comfortable as we possibly can and we always welcome suggestions as to how we may improve your experience here.

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