Need Dental Implants? Always Choose an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be tempted to go with the best deal or just stick with the neighborhood dentist who has treated you throughout your adult life. Since any dentist is legally allowed to perform the implant procedure, the Yellow Pages are filled with ads for “discount dental implants.” However, just because your local family dentist is allowed to perform this procedure, it doesn’t mean that they should.
If you want to ensure that the procedure is completed with minimal discomfort and the highest likelihood of long-term success, you need to seek out a qualified oral surgeon.
Your Usual Dentist Might Not Be Right for the Job
In order to obtain a DDS or DMD, dental students are not required to master surgical procedures or even spend any time in a hospital setting. In fact, some dentists begin performing implantations after just a three-day surgical training course.
Without the years of post-grad surgical training, dentists simply aren’t equipped to manage the many complications that can arise during surgery. With an untrained hand, an implant procedure may lead to complications that include nerve damage, sinus problems, injury to other teeth, injury to blood vessels, and infections.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons Are Highly Trained and Certified
Oral maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely recognized by the American Dental Association as surgical specialists. That’s because they are required to complete exhaustive post-graduate programs including an additional four years in a real hospital environment.
Many of the most complex cases are sent to teaching hospitals, so budding surgeons are regularly presented with some of the most challenging surgical procedures. As a result, they develop the tools necessary to handle every aspect of the surgical process, from bone grafting to bone augmentation to tooth extraction and even the safe removal of impacted teeth.
What About Periodontists?
Like oral maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists are recognized by the ADA as surgical specialists. But, while many periodontists are qualified to perform the implant procedure, these specialists aren’t typically subjected to the same amount of training and education as an oral maxillofacial surgeon.
While maxillofacial surgeons spend four years in a post-grad hospital residency, most periodontists need only complete three years of post-grad training. Oral maxillofacial surgeons spend an entire year on anesthesia alone.
Call Dr. Andrew Slavin for Your Dental Surgery Needs
Are you considering dental implants in the Palm Beach, Florida, area? Dr. Andrew Slavin, DMD, is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and he has more than 25 years of experience. He is the Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and he has a 99 percent success rate with dental implants. He has even been twice re-certified, ensuring that his training is always up-to-date and on the cutting edge.
If you’re ready to improve your smile with personalized implant care, contact us today to set up a consultation in South Florida.