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When it comes to the look, feel, and functionality, no other tooth replacement option can compare with dental implants. They truly are the closest thing you can get to your natural teeth. To ensure the best possible outcome, ask your dentist the following questions in advance. 1. How Long Have You Been Placing Them? In spite of their popularity, dental implants haven't been around for all that long. Invented in the 1960s, they only recently caught on with a new generation of image-conscious seniors. As such, doctors who have years of experience placing them can be hard to find. In fact, many dentists who offer the procedure do not have any formal training in implant dentistry. They can get away with that because cosmetic dentistry is not yet recognized as a dental specialty, which means there are no accredited courses that doctors can take. With that said, there are plenty of seminars, programs, and training symposiums that doctors can attend after they graduate from dental school. As a patient, you should also ask about your dentist's training, experience, and number of completed procedures. While there is no magic number, a doctor who only has a handful of successful surgeries under his/her belt might not be the best candidate for the job. 2. What's Your 5- and 10-Year Success Rate? Even though dental implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent, doctors with less experience may have far less impressive numbers. This is particularly true when they do not have access to the technologies or techniques that are needed to achieve better patient outcomes. We should also mention that dentists who have only been offering the procedure for a few years may not be able to answer this simple question. They may say something vague like, "I haven't had any complaints" or "Everybody seems satisfied." But you shouldn't let them get away with that! Make sure you get a firm answer one way or another. 3. How Many Surgeries Will I Need? In some cases, your dentist may determine that additional procedures are needed to get the desired results. You will want to know how many times you must go under the knife before you agree to anything. 4. Do You Offer Sedation? Although general anesthetics are often used for implantation surgery, many patients prefer conscious sedation. Not only is it a bit safer, but oral or IV sedation also has fewer serious side effects. 5. Do You Utilize 3D X-ray Imaging? Experienced cosmetic dentists utilize 3D X-ray imaging and cutting-edge computer programs to ensure that implants are placed in the best possible location. Failure to do so could result in an implant being placed in an area where there is insufficient bone to support it. Because these instruments and equipment can be expensive, not all doctors who offer the procedure utilize it. Getting answers to the questions above is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. To learn more about their options for dental implants, Ardmore, OK residents should visit http://www.stortsfamilydentistry.com/services/.
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