Patient Portal 
Choosing a dentist for dental implants is a big decision. Unlike a routine filling or cleaning, implant treatment involves several stages and can require surgery, healing, and a custom restoration. Finding a dentist with the right experience and approach can help you feel more confident throughout the process.
So, what should you look for when comparing implant dentists?
Look for Experience With Dental Implants
Experience matters when you’re considering a procedure as involved as dental implant placement. Ask how frequently the dentist performs implant procedures and whether they have experience with cases similar to yours.
It can also be helpful to look for a dentist who has pursued advanced education and continuing training specifically related to implant placement and restoration. An experienced professional should be comfortable explaining the procedure, discussing potential challenges, and creating a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Consider the Entire Treatment Process
Dental implants aren’t a single-step treatment. Depending on your situation, the process may involve an initial evaluation, preliminary procedures, implant placement, a healing period, abutment placement, and the final restoration.
For that reason, consider whether your dentist can provide comprehensive implant care or whether you’ll need to visit multiple offices for different stages. Having the same dental team oversee your treatment can make communication and scheduling considerably easier.
It’s also worth asking what happens if you need additional procedures, such as a bone graft or gum disease treatment, before implant placement.
Ask About Advanced Technology
Modern dental technology can give an implant dentist a much clearer picture of your oral structures before treatment begins. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), for example, can provide detailed images of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding anatomy.
This information can help a dentist evaluate your candidacy and plan implant placement with greater precision. During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask what technology the dentist uses for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Find Someone Who Creates a Personalized Plan
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dental implants. The number of missing teeth, the location of those teeth, your jawbone density, existing oral health, and your personal goals can all influence your treatment.
A good implant dentist should take time to understand your concerns and explain your options rather than simply recommending the same solution to every patient. Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask about expected treatment timelines, costs, recovery, and long-term maintenance.
Pay Attention to Communication
Technical expertise is important, but so is finding someone you trust. Dental implant treatment can take several months, so you’ll want a dentist who answers your questions clearly and makes you feel comfortable speaking up about concerns.
During your consultation, consider whether you feel rushed or whether the dentist takes the time to walk you through the process. You should leave with a clear understanding of what comes next.
Look for Convenient, Comprehensive Care
If keeping treatment under one roof is important to you, ask whether the dentist performs both implant placement and restoration in-house. This can eliminate some referrals and make the overall process more convenient.
At the end of the day, the best implant dentist for you is someone with appropriate training, experience, technology, and a commitment to personalized care. Taking time to research your options before beginning treatment can help you feel much more comfortable with your decision.
The right dental implant team can make the journey toward a complete smile feel much more manageable.
About the Practice
Highland Smiles Dental in Dallas, Texas, provides comprehensive dental care, including dental implant placement and restoration. Dr. Sandadi, DDS, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and regularly pursues continuing education, particularly in dental implant placement and restoration. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.
For implant treatment, Dr. Sandadi provides the entire process in-house, from the initial consultation and surgical placement through the final restoration. The practice uses 3D cone-beam imaging to evaluate dental anatomy and help create detailed implant treatment plans.
Call us at (214) 528-9990 or schedule your appointment online.