Are you considering a dental implant to replace one or more missing teeth? Be an informed consumer! Make sure you find out as much as you can about this procedure, what it costs, and what risks and benefits you can expect. Dental implants do provide a durable, permanent solution to missing teeth, truly restoring the function of the lost tooth and promoting the integrity of the gum and jawbone. Online directories can help you to find an implant dentist in your area. Or you may decide that it's worth traveling to another city or state to be treated by a dentist who offers better pricing options or promises an exceptionally high quality of care.

What should you look for in an implant dentist? Experience is absolutely essential; correct placement of the implant rod in the jawbone is crucial for the implant to be a success – incorrect placement can be disastrous. A general dentist with supplemental training in implant techniques would be considered an implant specialist. Skill levels do vary, so get a personal recommendation from other patients if you possibly can. You may also wish to check with the state board to see if there are any complaints or concerns regarding an implant dentist before you commit to treatment.

Look for a Prosthodontist if you want to make sure you are being treated by someone with extensive, specialized training in restoration techniques. A Prosthodontist would have the expertise necessary to handle more complex implant procedures, such as restoring an entire arch or performing a whole mouth restoration. Depending on your oral health and individual needs, your implant procedure may even need to be handled by a team of specialists, each one focusing on a particular aspect of your treatment.

Choosing the right dental treatment can be overwhelming. Take the time to consider your options and to understand exactly what's involved. You may find it helpful to read up on dental treatment; check Amazon.com where you'll find a variety of books on the subject.