How to Pick an Implant Dentist: The Most Important Things to Know
According to research, the average American will have lost approximately 12 teeth by the age of 50.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but finding the right implant dentist can be difficult. There are a lot of implant dentists out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
But don’t worry. Keep reading as we’ve put together this guide to help you pick an implant dentist that’s perfect for your needs.
Consider Specialty Dental Care Organizations
Instead of messing around with all these general practices, consider an organization that specializes in implants. Just Google “best dentist near me” to get a list of potential dentists.
Most implant specialists will have websites listing participating practices by location. If your dentist doesn’t see patients that need implants, they might be able to recommend one who can help you out.
Talk With Your Dentist About Your Insurance
Dental implant work will not be covered by most health insurance plans. This doesn’t mean that it has been ruled as being “not medically necessary” but rather that the cost of the procedures involved makes them unfeasible.
In other words – insurance companies operate on an actuarial basis, looking at claims data to see what procedures have a better-than-average success rate and reasonable costs over time.
A dental implant procedure rarely meets those criteria.
Ask About Their Experience
The more experience a provider has had with implants, the better chance you have at being happy with your results down the road. An experienced provider will not have to spend much time learning about what works best.
Ask About Price and Payment Plans
Depending on the extent of the procedures you need, a single dental office might not be able to handle all your implant work. If this turns out to be the case, you will probably end up having to go outside for assistance.
You can still bring an expert into your care if you are willing to pay more money in total – but only if you avoid repeating mistakes made by patients who didn’t take this step!
Asking about the price ahead of time can help you get what you want without overpaying or getting caught off guard when strange numbers start coming at you during billing negotiations after work has been completed.
Read Online Reviews
Another great way to find the perfect dentist for you is by reading online reviews. Online reviews will give you a sense of customer satisfaction and will often provide you with before and after picks that can help.
Just like reading online reviews, use Google to compare implant costs to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Create a Plan That Works for You
The best implant dentistry is customized for the individual. Every mouth is unique, every person has different priorities and desires, and this should all be accounted for in any plan that you decide on together.
If your procedure requires several visits over an extended period, make sure you’re aware of what counts as part of the program (elements like lab work done before each appointment, post-op checkups, etc.).
Pick an Implant Dentist That Works for You
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to pick an implant dentist that’s perfect for you. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point and it’s important to do your own research before making any decision.
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