(BPT) - For anyone facing tooth loss, dental implants offer more than just a cosmetic solution. They can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. However, it's important to do your homework to ensure you're receiving care from an experienced and qualified professional and to avoid costly mistakes. After all, dental implant treatment is a complex procedure, and one you do not want to cut corners on to save a little time and money. Mistakes in initial treatment may forever negatively impact your final results.
Cost is a big consideration when it comes to dental implants, and you may be tempted to go abroad to save on your dental procedure. In 2022, more than 787,000 Americans were projected to seek medical and dental treatments abroad. However, doing so can cost you down the line.
Receiving medical treatment abroad can leave you without recourse if complications arise after returning home. If an implant fails or your new prosthesis requires adjustments, obtaining follow-up care can be difficult and expensive.
Implant parts and pieces are not interchangeable, and even if you find a willing dentist, the parts may not be available or identifiable. That is why many dentists will not accept a patient who has already been treated by another dentist. Without proper post-procedure monitoring, the risk of infection, improper healing, and implant failure can increase.
Why long-term success matters more than quick fixes
Treatment timelines are another consideration when it comes to dental implants. There has been a rise in treatment centers that offer permanent teeth within 24 hours of surgery. While this option might sound appealing, especially for someone who is eager to have new, permanent teeth, it can come with significant trade-offs, including:
- Improper fit and bite misalignment
- Gaps between the gums and the teeth
- Compromised speech and articulation
- Lack of customization, leading to discomfort and speaking issues
You should be certain that if any of the above situations arise after the 24-hour period that the treating dentist agrees to address these issues and predetermine if there are additional costs. While fewer appointments may sound ideal, the follow-up process after surgery is worth your time. You'll want to choose a provider who offers you the option to customize and refine your new smile in the weeks and months following surgery.
How to choose the right dental implant provider
When considering dental implant treatment, asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision and avoid costly complications down the line.
Who you choose to perform your dental implant surgery can make the difference between a smile of joy and a grimace of pain. Prosthodontists and oral surgeons at ClearChoice Dental Implant Center, a national leader in fixed full-arch restorations, have collectively treated over 200,000 patients and placed over one million implants. In fact, ClearChoice doctors regularly perform corrective surgeries for the types of cases mentioned above. Unfortunately, these corrections, if at all possible, can cost more than the original unsuccessful treatment.
Understanding the full journey of implant treatment helps set expectations and ensures you receive comprehensive care. Use the following tips to help you make an informed decision about your dental implant provider.
1. Ask the right questions about the full treatment process:
While you may not know the answers, you can begin your journey to quality dental implants by asking the right questions. During a consultation, ask your dental implant provider:
- How will dental implants benefit me?
- What are the many procedures and steps I can expect?
- How will my treatment plan be customized to my needs?
- What will you do if I have complications with the implants or prosthesis in the future?
- What does the healing process look and feel like?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- What steps are taken to ensure the implants last long-term?
Asking these questions can help you make an informed decision about your oral condition and may put you at ease when considering undergoing dental implant surgery.
2. Verify qualifications
Not all dental professionals have the extensive training and experience that is necessary to perform dental implant treatment. Do your research to ensure your dental implant procedure is performed by trained specialists like prosthodontists and oral surgeons who have extensive experience in complex treatments and full-arch restorations.
You may be able to look up a dental implant provider's credentials online. However, during your consultation, you should ask about their qualifications and how many dental implant procedures they have performed.
3. Be wary of red flags
In addition to verifying a provider's credentials, be on the lookout for any red flags. Be cautious and watch for the following signs:
- A promise of permanent teeth within 24-48 hours with no promise for follow-up appointments.
- No option to refine and customize the look, fit, and feel of your prosthesis during the healing process
. - The doctor not being present during the initial consultation visit and only a support staff discussing the treatment plan and fees.
4. Look for providers who stand behind their work
A reputable provider should offer long-term assurances of their dental implant procedures. ClearChoice, for example, offers patients a lifetime warranty on full-arch zirconia prostheses, demonstrating their commitment to quality and patient satisfaction.
ClearChoice's Lifetime Warranty covers a "no cost replacement" of the zirconia prostheses for all new patients in the rare event of a fracture or crack in the prosthesis. This warranty underscores ClearChoice's commitment to both clinical excellence and patient satisfaction, ensuring peace of mind and long-term protection on your investment. ClearChoice doctors stand behind their work for life and are trusted providers to perform this procedure the right way.
5. Choose long-term outcomes over short-term convenience
Dental implants are a long-term investment in both health and confidence. The best outcomes come from providers who emphasize:
- Research-backed healing methods
- Precision in implant placement and bite alignment
- High-quality materials designed for longevity
- Ongoing support and care to optimize implant success
Invest in the Right Care for a Lifetime of Benefits
Choosing the right provider means prioritizing expertise, technology, and long-term care over short-term cost savings. With proper placement and follow-up care, dental implants can last for decades, providing lasting function, comfort, and confidence.
Using these five tips, you can find a provider who offers quality work that will make you smile. To learn more about whether dental implants are right for you and to find a local provider, visit ClearChoice.com.
