Dental Implants: American Academy of Implant Dentistry

Author: American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Published: 31 Mar 2010 - Updated: 18 Aug 2021

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: It can be a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth.

In most cases, the surgery won't be successful unless patients have sufficient bone mass in the jaw to secure the implant. So rigorous training and extensive experience are critical factors when judging if a patient would be a good candidate for implants.

Introduction

Thinking about dental implants? What should you ask?

Main Content

Burgeoning consumer demand for dental implants has prompted dentists nationwide to add implants to their practices, and some have mounted aggressive advertising campaigns to promote implants to consumers. But how can patients objectively evaluate the qualifications of a dentist to perform implant surgery

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry advises consumers interested in implants that in-depth practitioner training and experience are critical for successful outcomes, and prospective patients should inquire about a dentist's implant qualifications.

"It can be a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth," said AAID President Joel Rosenlicht, DMD. "Many practitioners, including general dentists, are well qualified to provide implant treatment, based on their extensive experience and in-depth training. However, beware of those who simply attend a weekend implant seminar."

Rosenlicht further explained it is impossible for a dentist to become proficient at implant surgery over the course of a single weekend.

"Regardless of whether a dentist is a specialist or a general practitioner, attending a weekend session isn't enough. There is a higher level of risk with the procedure if the dentist hasn't had extensive, specific training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants."

He added that implant surgery is precise and very predictable, but it is an invasive procedure that requires excellent surgical skills.

"In most cases, the surgery won't be successful unless patients have sufficient bone mass in the jaw to secure the implant. So rigorous training and extensive experience are critical factors when judging if a patient would be a good candidate for implants."

The AAID recommends that consumers research qualifications carefully when selecting an implant dentist. Key questions that should be asked are:

• Do you have credentials awarded by a recognized implant dentistry organization?
• Have you had comprehensive post-doctoral or continuing education in implant dentistry?

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Implant Dentistry and published on 31 Mar 2010, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.