I have some questions for my upcoming dental implant procedure. My dentist is suggesting we have a CT scan done. This seems like an unnecessary expense for me seeing as we’ve done so many x-rays already. However, if it is necessary, I’ll to it. Second, my dentist uses a specific type of implant Southern Venturi. I don’t see much information on it so I’m wondering how hard it would be to get replacement parts. I’m a mechanic by trade so I understand how important replacement part accessibility is. Would this be worth finding a different dentist over?
Karl
Dear Karl,
You’ve brought up some very important questions. When you want a successful dental implant procedure, there are several things to consider. I would say right at the top of them is which dentist to use. Before we get into that, let’s discuss your other questions, starting with the CT scan. I know the idea of paying for more diagnostics is likely the last thing you want to hear. However, if you were going to skip an x-ray of any sort, this wouldn’t be the one I’d skip.
CT Scans for Dental Implants
Avoiding dental implant failure starts with good diagnostics. Dental implants are placed in a three-dimensional environment. Most x-rays are two dimensional. If you want an accurate placement, the diagnostics need to reflect the area as accurately as possible. Do get the CT scan. I think it will be very important.
Dental Implant Parts
I understand how important replacement parts are in car mechanics so I do understand your thought process. The dental implant procedure is a bit different. The replacement issue isn’t nearly as important as the strength and quality of the implant itself. A manufacturer’s quality control is imperative. I’m a bit leery of the brand you’ve mentioned. I don’t know much about it and don’t know any qualified implant dentists who use it. That gives me some doubts.
Here are the brands the top implant dentists use:
- Straumann
- Nobel Biocare
- 3i
- BioHorizons
- Zimmer
- Astrotech
If your dentist is using an implant fixture because it is cheaper that is a bad sign. You want top-quality implants.
Implant Dentist Qualifications
The key here for both of the above-mentioned issues is more the about the dentist. A highly qualified implant dentist knows the importance of a CT scan. They are also very particular about which implants they will use. Quality is important. There isn’t a recognized specialty in dental implants, which may be why it is one of the leading malpractice cases in the dental field.
Make sure whatever dentist you get has the qualifications. I’d look for a dentist who is a fellow or diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. It is also important that they can do both the surgery and the implant. This helps prevent any miscommunication between two different dentists working on the same procedure at different times and locations.
This blog is brought to you by Sugarland Dentist Dr. Siny Thomas.