Owing to the advances in science, technology, and medicine, we have now reached a stage where I, as a dentist and you as a patient, have a wide variety of teeth replacement options. Gone are the days when the only way to replace missing teeth was to get removable dentures. With the advent of dental implants in the late 1960s, prosthetic dentistry saw a new wave of teeth replacement solutions. Dental implants have truly changed the ways of dental rehabilitation.
Dental implants are screw-shaped fixtures that are surgically placed into the jaw bone via a tiny incision on the gums. A conventional dental implant has two components — one is the screw that goes into the jawbone, and the other is the abutment that connects the screw with the overlying prostheses (crowns, bridges or dentures).
Dental implants are fixed and mimic a natural tooth root, which eliminates the process of jaw bone resorption. Due to their bone-saving activity, dental implants help maintain facial proportions and contribute to a youthful appearance.
Dental implants look natural and have a high aesthetic value. They restore complete chewing as they can sustain force almost equal to natural teeth, thus contributing to better nutrition. Dental implants restore speech and do not interfere with or change enunciation as dentures do.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to opt for a specialised dental implantologist when considering dental implants. There are a lot of nuances and factors that influence the success rate of implants.
That is why it is essential to keep certain points in mind while choosing an implant clinic. To help you make a calculated and informed decision, I, Dr. Viorel Talpa, have curated this specific list which discusses 5 most important things to consider before choosing your dental implant clinic.
1. Get to Know About the Qualification of the Operating Dentist
If you had to get cardiac surgery done, you wouldn’t go to an orthopaedic surgeon, would you? No, you’ll carefully read and consult a qualified cardiologist. Similar parallels can also be drawn in implant dentistry.
Implantology is the branch for the study and placement of dental implants. Even though any dentist can place an implant, it takes exceptional skills and further training to master the skill and ensure a higher success rate.
Periodontologists, Prosthodontists, and Oral surgeons are trained explicitly for dental implant placement.
If a general dentist would like to master these particular skills, some specific higher courses and fellowships allow for further training and make them dental implant specialists — that is, Implantologists.
Therefore, before you finalise your dental implant clinic in Luxembourg, you must check the doctor’s qualifications to ensure they have higher training and are Implantologists. Any fellowship courses or diplomas from a reputed University can assure you of their qualification.
Doing so will ensure you are in the right hands, and your dental implant surgery in Luxembourg will be a success.
2. Ask for Images of Previously Operated Cases
This, again, goes for any profession. Anyone who is actually confident and proud of their work will never shy away from producing proof of the work they have done in the past.
Most dentists and other medical professionals have their websites nowadays. In addition, the clinic may also have an Instagram or Facebook page. If so, you can find quite a lot of information on these platforms about the concerned clinic.
Hopefully, you will also be able to see some of their previously operated and restored cases of dental implants.
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a completely missing arch. Get to know what kind of category you come under. That means finding out whether you need a single tooth replacement or multiple.
Accordingly, check similar cases as yours on their website or Instagram pages. These images will give you an idea about what you are in for and a better visual understanding. This will also allow you to understand how your smile will look after the treatment.
In case the concerned clinic does not have a website or a social media presence, you can probably ask the clinic for past case photos. Most doctors will keep pictures to track their patient’s progress and ensure they can show these to other patients for better understanding.
3. Read Reviews or Get in Touch with Patients Who Have Got Dental Implants
We are living in a time of advanced communication technologies. The internet has made tracking even the most remote corners of the world possible.
The internet also keeps track of dental clinics and allows patients to post reviews.
If the clinic has a website like I do, you will also be able to find patients’ reviews on the website. Read these reviews carefully. Some may be positive, while some can be negative.
Analyse what you need and get to know about how the clinic is in general. It is essential to have an understanding doctor.
It is also vital that other staff in the clinic, for example, the dental hygienist or receptionist, are also understanding and kind.
These reviews should help you get a hint of what a clinic and the associated professionals are like and how they carry out the treatment.
In addition, if possible, you can also talk to the patients who have already gotten their dental implants from the clinic.
Listening to such first-hand experiences will also enable you to have a better understanding and help you make a calculated decision regarding replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Luxembourg.
4. How Experienced Is the Doctor?
We all know that experience matters, be it in any profession. Experience is altogether more critical when it comes to dental implantology.
Experience is more potent than theory and allows for better judgement and faster treatment.
Please find out about your dentist’s qualification, specialisation, and how long they have been associated with the field.
Find out how many patients they have treated and if they have treated a variety of cases. It would help if you ideally look for someone who already has experience with regard to dental implant placement.
This will provide you with a more seamless and smooth dental implant surgery option.
Another point you should consider is how well the clinic is equipped. Dentistry, especially implantology, is evolving at a great speed.
Many procedures have come up that now decrease the time limit and make placing implants even in lower-density bone areas possible.
We now have a wide variety of dental implants and newer technologies. Find out if the clinic is updated with recent advances and whether the doctor uses current practices.
These newer modules ensure a better and more comfortable treatment experience.
It will also help you decide if you schedule an appointment. Doing so will allow you to interact with the doctor and explain your needs.
This also enables you to make more sound and thought-out judgements regarding your dental implant placement.
I have made sure that my knowledge and clinic stay up to date with the latest advents in implant dentistry. I have also worked immensely during my training time which offers me an incredible amount of experience in the field.
5. Get to Know About Financing Options
Dental implants are not cheap and tend to cost way more than traditional dentures.
This is because they are a fixed treatment protocol, use advanced technologies, and require greater training and dexterity.
More importantly, implants offer better aesthetics, restore complete chewing, improve nutrition, and also restore proper speech.
Implants have a more technique-sensitive procedure and require higher-level instruments, which all contribute to a higher price.
Dental implants need a minimum bone length and width to be placed. If your bone height or width is not enough, I will perform bone grafting surgery before implant placement.
In addition, some patients with less bone length and width may also be required to undergo bone grafting and sinus augmentation surgeries. These additional surgeries also increase costs.
Therefore, keeping all the costs in mind, it is essential to consider finances and whether the clinic accepts insurance or has any payment plan.
Getting teeth replaced should not be breaking your bank. Therefore, you must check and talk about finances with the clinic.
Make sure they have an option which is comfortable and manageable for a positive experience.
At my dental clinic in Luxembourg, I am glad to announce that we accept dental insurance and have a variety of payment plans which can suit every individual.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope this blog proved valuable and helpful for you in making your decision.
However, if you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out.
I, Dr. Viorel Talpa, and my team of friendly and excellent dental professionals are here to assist you and your family to a glowing smile and healthy oral health.
Until then, keep smiling and stay healthy.
