There are a lot of dentists in the world, but very few–a remarkably low two percent of all dentists, to be exact–are prosthodontists. If you’re facing the task of finding a prosthodontist for your oral health needs, then you should be prepared to put some serious time, effort, and consideration into that decision. After all, your prosthodontist will be taking on a pretty hefty responsibility that can affect your overall health and well being. Here are some guidelines when it comes to what to look for in a prosthodontist:
Why choose a Prosthodontist?
Before you can pick the right prosthodontist for your dental care needs, you should have a good understanding of the reasons for working with a prosthodontist. That way, you know what to expect–and, hence, what to look for–in your dentist of choice. Prosthodontists invest several years’ worth of extra time into their dental educations so that they have a highly specialized and comprehensive understanding of dental implants and other related dentistry. They have the extensive knowledge necessary for the evaluation of how dental implants will impact every element of your smile, including your bite, aesthetics, and speech pattern.
Reputation.
Reputation is just as important today as it has always been; however, today, a professional’s reputation can be altered in lightning speed via the world wide web, and you can check up on the status of that reputation just as quickly. That’s good for reputable prosthodontists, great for you . . . and not so good for prosthodontists who don’t deserve your business. Before you choose a prosthodontist to work with, explore online for Better Business Bureau complaints, customer reviews, and credentials.
3D Imaging.
Your prosthodontist will create a dental implant that best suits your individual needs. There is no better way to size up the look and feel of your new implants before you agree to the procedure than through 3D imaging technology. Look for a prosthodontist who can provide you with the kind of peace of mind that can only come with seeing what you will look like before you commit.
Comparison Shop.
There is a certain art to creating realistic, natural-looking, and fully customized dental implants. Therefore, you should compare the proposed treatment plans of a number of prosthodontists before you decide which doctor you want to settle in with for the long haul.
Choosing a prosthodontist to handle your dental implant surgery or dentistry replacement is a serious task. After all, your smile (and your oral health) depend on it. Keep all of these guidelines in mind when comparing your options, and don’t be afraid to be picky when it comes to your teeth.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
