An accident involving a baseball bat and my mouth occurred. The bat came out on top and I’ve lost my two front teeth as a result. I have a temporary solution there now, but I’m not happy with how it looks. I’ve been doing some research and I definitely want dental implants, but given how badly my temporary teeth look I don’t know if I should focus on finding a great cosmetic dentist or a great Implant dentist. Any advice? I don’t want to dread smiling.
Allison J.
Dear Allison,
Will you hate me if the answer is yes? You actually need both. I know that sounds daunting, but it’s very possible. The first thing I would do in your place is to find an AACD accredited dentist. You’re talking about your front teeth. They’re the first things people will notice when you smile. You want a dentist who can make them both beautiful and natural looking. Dentists who’ve reached accreditation are the top dentists in the country.
However, that won’t be enough, as you well know. It will do you no good to have beautiful front teeth only to have the dental implants fall out in a few weeks from dental implant failure. That means in addition to being an artistic cosmetic dentist they will need extensive post-graduate training in restorative dentistry.
For example, since graduating dental school, Dr. Rothwell has studied at Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education, at the LD Pankey Institute near Miami, from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and from other advanced training programs in Buffalo, New Orleans, and many other cities. She strives to stay on top of all the advancements in her field. That is the type of dentist you need.
Dental Implant and Cosmetic “Specialists”
You mentioned specialists. If you’re using that term as a determination of the technical knowledge, skill, and artistry in each of those respective fields, then that is accurate. However, many people mistakenly believe those two fields have recognized specialties by the American Dental Association along with all the requisite mandatory additional schooling. That’s not the case.
Any general dentist, regardless of training, can call themselves a cosmetic dentist or an implant dentist. Then, it is up to them to seek out the necessary schooling to become skilled in those areas.
I tell you this as a warning. Choose your dentist carefully. Be bold in asking questions. Their success rate in dental implants should be no lower than 98% with a significant number of cases performed. Ask how many they do yearly and how many are successful. Ask what post-graduate training they’ve received. Don’t be shy. These are important questions.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell. Check out her smile gallery.
