Gaps in your grin left behind by missing teeth can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. Not only can they detract from your appearance, but they can also negatively affect your speech, diet, and self-confidence.
Many experts in Annandale consider dental implants the ideal way to replace lost teeth because of their unique placement in your jawbone. However, they’re the only restorations involving oral surgery, and finding a qualified provider is essential for their success. If you’re unsure how to find the right help, continue reading to learn 3 traits to look for!
Tip #1: Check Their Qualifications
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants include a biocompatible titanium rod that’s embedded in your jawbone for added strength and stability. Although all dentists must meet rigorous requirements to be able to practice, they don’t all undergo specialized training to perform this procedure.
If they have one, you can look up a potential provider’s education and experience in their “About Me” section on their website or inquire over the phone or in person. Various certification programs and different institutions focus specifically on implants, though you may do better with an expert, like a prosthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon.
Tip #2: Inquire About Technology
Many people don’t realize that the field of dentistry is constantly growing and developing new methods, technology, and materials to make treatments more comfortable, look more realistic, and last longer. For instance, instead of making manual impressions of your teeth and gums to build your restorations, many providers today use digital impressions or 3D scanners to create more accurate virtual models of your mouth.
It’s a good idea to ask your provider what instruments and technology they intend to use during each step of the dental implant process so you know what to expect from your procedure.
Tip #3: Assess the Office Environment
Having the right skills and technology is imperative, but you also want to choose a dentist who instills confidence in their abilities when you’re in a vulnerable position. For instance, you wouldn’t want to put your well-being in the hands of someone who is unkind or doesn’t make you feel heard or cared about.
Observing the dynamics of the office staff is an easy way to gauge whether you feel comfortable in the environment. If they seem warm and inviting with other patients and with each other, it’s a good indicator that they care, which can set your mind at ease regarding your upcoming procedure.
Once you’ve found an appropriate provider, you can schedule your consultation to begin your dental implant journey!
Meet the Author
Dr. Marjan Salari has about 20 years of experience helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health. She earned her dental degree at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, then completed a Prosthodontics residency. Today, she’s an expert at rebuilding smiles, though she also offers a complete range of services to meet all your family’s dental care needs. She combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate treatments intended to last. Plus, she’s fluent in English, French, and Farsi and is learning Spanish so you and your loved ones are sure to feel welcomed. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (703) 763-0800.