Dental implants have grown in popularity over the last few decades, with one study projecting that close to one in four dental patients could have one by 2026. If you want to get dental implants in Rochester, NY, you’ve joined a growing club.
Because dental implants haven’t taken off to the same extent as bridges and fillings, you may not know what to look for. What indicates quality cosmetic dentistry? How do you decide on an implant?
Good dental work doesn’t need to confuse you. Read on for everything you need to know about high-quality dental implants.
Dental Implants in Rochester, NY – Experience and Qualifications
When you seek out dental implant options, start by looking at the dentist. Does your dentist have a history of work with dental implants?
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry offers three credentials. The most basic designation, Associate Fellow, requires at least a year of practice in dental implant work. Those with more than five years of experience can pursue Fellow or Diplomate credentials.
Due to the requirement for experience, not every talented implant dentist will have these credentials. They can still provide a good sense of how much work your prospective oral surgeon has done in the field.
Dental Implant Materials
A good implant dentist will offer two dental implant materials for the implant post. Oral surgeons choose these materials because of their ability to integrate with your natural bones and durability.
Titanium
Surgeons discovered titanium before any other material for bone and tooth implants. Most implants use titanium alloy posts screwed into jawbone tissue as the anchor point for the new tooth.
Titanium implants have the following advantages:
- durability
- few people have titanium allergies
- stability for 25 or more years
People who shy away from titanium for tooth replacement options do so for a few common reasons:
- metal allergy
- hesitation about putting metal in their bodies
- concerns about the dark metal color showing through the gums
Zirconia
Zirconia implants joined the fray in the last few years. Their relative newness means fewer studies indicate their long-term effectiveness. They still integrate with bone in the same way as titanium implants.
Zirconia implants have these advantages:
- suitable for patients with metal allergies or reservations about metal
- low plaque affinity
- lower risk of gum discoloration
If you want to avoid metal implants, ask your implant dentist about a zirconia post instead. Bear in mind the following risk factors, though:
- slight increase in failure rate
- less research about long-term viability
- need for a load-free healing period
Thorough Consultation
As implants straddle the line between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the consultation process involved in getting a dental implant takes some time and effort. A good dentist will take the time to go over your case in great detail and identify any potential issues.
A good dentist will perform the following steps before starting the implant process.
Oral Examination
The implant dentist will look at your overall oral health. Issues like gum disease or low bone volume can reduce the viability of the implant. Real or synthetic bone grafts can address these issues, but add steps to the process.
Medical Imaging
Scans like X-rays and CT scans provide the dentist with more information on the health of the underlying jawbone. This can help determine whether apparent bone loss will cause a long-term problem and identify the best places to install implants.
Patient Discussion
Your consultation can serve as a quality indicator as well. Your dentist should talk with you about your goals with the dental implant and check if this treatment provides your best tooth replacement options.
Knowing you’ll receive a quality dental implant starts with asking good questions. Talk to the dentist about issues like the recovery period and anesthetic options at your consultation. The dentist can address any concerns you have if you bring them up first.
New Technology
While not all implant dentists use every new technology, the adoption of new practices suggests higher quality. The following technologies have advanced the world of dental implants, and if any of them interest you, you should ask your dentist for more information before oral surgery.
UV Treatment
Some dentists treat their titanium implants with UV light before installation. Issues with the surface of the titanium implant can lead to failed or weak integration with the bone, which in turn causes post-operative complications. The UV light reduces the presence of the chemicals that cause these issues.
3D Printing
3D-printed dental implants can have precise geometry that suits the patient’s mouth. Better geometry reduces healing time and can improve how the implant looks and feels. Patients interested in a faster return to normalcy should ask about 3D printing technology.
Smart Implants
Some dentists have started using implants that include a temperature sensor. As inflamed areas become hotter than the rest of the gum tissue, this can help identify possible infections early. By doing so, dentists can encourage a smoother recovery.
Immediate Loading
In the past, dental implants needed time to heal before the installation of the false tooth. Modern technology has changed the game, with some patients able to receive the final tooth within 48 hours of initial surgery. Such implant systems require specialized design to achieve the necessary stability before full integration with the bone.
Nanotechnology
Like many other new technologies, nanotechnology focuses on improving the integration between the bone and the dental restoration. Implant nanotechnology applications change the implant’s surface to improve the chances of full bone integration.
Putting Down (New) Roots
If you want to find good dental implants in Rochester, NY, knowing what makes a good dental implant will speed up your search. You should keep an eye out for emerging technologies, quality materials, and extensive expertise.
See us at Albee Family Dental for all your dental restoration needs. Dr. Albee has worked in the dental field for more than two decades and has an extensive background in issues like teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and TMJ. Whether you need a cleaning, a denture, or a full-mouth implant, reach out to us and we’ll help you protect your smile.
