Implant Systems

There is constant debate among dental professionals onwhat is the best implant system for dental patients. As dental implanttechnology evolves, new materials are introduced offering more options andconfusion for dental implant patients.

Titanium versus Alloy

When choosing the best implant, surgeons want thestrongest material with the least potential for fractures and leakage.According to some critics, mini-implants, due to their diminutive size, can bemore susceptible to breakage. Many dental practitioners prefer alloys to puretitanium claiming that the alloys, made up of aluminum and vanadium, are threetimes stronger than pure titanium. Others say there is no concrete evidence ofsuch a claim.

The Best Advice

The most important decision for a patient is choosing thebest dental implant surgeon who offers informed advice on various implantsystems to help choose the most beneficial procedure for their patient. Theideal dental practitioner is an experienced implant dentist who thoroughly andthoughtfully counsels the patient on the benefits, risks and options forimplant surgery. When researching a qualified oral surgeon, follow theseguidelines before making your selection:

·        Look for a provider who specializes in dentalimplants

·        Ask the dentist for before and after picturesfrom previous implant patients

·        Request information from the dentist on his orher training, education and years of experience

·        Try to find a dentist who has completed a threeyear post graduate program in prosthodontics

·        Look for these board certifications:

• American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID)
• American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
• Misch International Implant Institute (MIII)
• American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
• American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics (AAIP)

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontistis a specialist in tooth repair, replacement and restoration of structuresrelated to the jaw and mouth. The prosthodontist is trained in working withdental bridges, dentures and implants. This specialty requires another threeyears of training and many go on to be certified by the American Board ofProsthodontics.

Oral Surgeon

If your dentistis not qualified to perform an implant surgery, he or she may recommend an oralsurgeon for the dental implant procedure. The surgeon will drill pilot holesthrough or around your gums into the jawline inserting the implants intoposition. After three to six months, your implants will integrate with your jawand be ready to support your new teeth. The dentist or prosthodontist will takeover, attaching your artificial teeth to the implants, creating the perfectsmile just for you.