I am doing research on dental implants because I need two of them. I read that there are some serious horror stories out there. I’ve narrowed down my dentists. Here are some differences in them. Can you tell me what is best in these differences?
One requires CT scans. The other says it is not necessary. Which is right?
One uses implants from Southern Venturi. The other from Straumann. Is one better than the other?
One is about $1000 dollars more than the other.
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
Choosing dental implants for your tooth replacement was a great idea. These are the closest option to having natural teeth. You’ve also brought up some important points here. I will answer all of them and add an extra by going over some ways to avoid dental implant failue, which are correct in understanding has led to some crazy horror stories.
First, make certain your dentist does the appropriate diagnostics. This would definitely include a CT scan. The import of this is because your dentist really does need a 3D landscape of things. Too many dentists skip this step. Here is just one example of why this is an important step. Your sinus cavity is very close to your upper teeth. Many dentists have perforated the sinus cavity while placing dental implants because they didn’t have the right images. Some dentists try to get around this by using smaller implants. Unfortunately, these do not have the support that you will need and the implant will eventually fail.
Second, quality implant fixtures are a must. Though, going to a reputable and skilled implant dentist will mean that you should be safe in this department. As for the two brands of implants you mentioned, Straumann is a highly reputable manufacturer and many of the top implant dentists use them. I haven’t heard of Southern Venturi, which I will admit sends a caution flag up in my brain.
Thirdly, and most importantly, is the dentist you choose. Doing this one step right will ensure the rest is covered as well. You need a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants. It is not a recognized specialty, nor is it adequately taught in dental schools. Ideally, the dentist should have the surgical training as well and be able to handle that as well as the restoration. This will prevent miscommunication issues that sometimes happen when two different offices are doing your procedure.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.