I’m going to lose a tooth and I’d like to get a dental implant. My family dentist says he can do it. Is that accurate or do I need a dental implants specialist?
May P. – Maryland
May,
There actually isn’t a dental implant specialization, so it is general dentists who do the work. That being said, you have to be extremely careful. This is one area where, although there isn’t a recognized specialty, dentists really need specialized training. There is a lot that can go wrong with this procedure. IF things go badly, you could lose part of your jaw or even part of your face.
I would ask your dentist what post graduate training he has in dental implants. You’ll want him to have studied somewhere like the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studes (LVI) or the Pankey institute. If he’s done extensive study there, than you’re probably in good hands. IF he doesn’t have much training run away and find someone else to do the procedure. IF he mentions someplace else, you are welcome to contact us again and get some feedback on his training.
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