Dental implants are the name of the game when it comes to replacing missing teeth, due to their ability to fully restore teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. This means that if you’re hoping to rebuild your smile, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option! However, if your dentist has informed you that it’s best to seek a periodontist to complete this procedure, you might have questions. Here’s why these experts are well-suited for dental implant placement as well as any other treatments involving your gums!
Why Would I Need Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath the gumline in order to restore a patient’s missing teeth. They’re unique in the sense that the posts can fuse with a patient’s jawbone, leading to a sturdy, permanent replacement for the missing roots.
Patients prefer dental implants due to the long list of benefits they provide, including improved biting power, the prevention of further bone loss, and of course, the fact that they don’t require any specialized maintenance compared to traditional options like dentures.
What Is a Periodontist?
While all dentists have some experience with gum disease, generally speaking, their education covers a much broader range of topics. This is why many dentists usually refer their patients to a periodontist when their gums require more specialized care. It’s similar to a general doctor sending you to a specialist for something like a broken knee or specific illness; sure, they can diagnose the issue, but they’ll need to send you to the right person to address it!
Periodontists end up focusing heavily on gums and dental implants as they go through dental school; typically, they’ll take another three or so years of courses covering topics including dental implants, gum disease treatment, and other relevant services. They have the means to remove damaged gum tissue, eliminate bacterial infections, treat bleeding and receding gums, and place dental implants, among many other things.
Why Should I See a Periodontist for Dental Implants?
All of this goes to say, since they have extra experience and knowledge compared to a general dentist when it comes to the gums, periodontists are normally the best professionals for performing dental implant placement. They know exactly what to look for when it comes to determining eligibility – keep in mind dental implant patients must have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums to accommodate the posts.
They also have access to the latest technology that assists with dental implant placement, leading to improved patient outcomes and shorter recovery times. Since periodontists perform surgeries like this frequently, there is a far greater chance of success too – in fact, dental implants normally have a 95%+ success rate, even after 20 years!
If your dentist has suggested visiting a periodontist, know that they aren’t simply passing the buck or backing down from placing your implants; they’re simply putting your oral wellness first and setting your smile up for a lifetime of optimal function and unmatched beauty!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Zachary Carnow, our team here at Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants has proudly served patients in Frisco and the surrounding North Texas area for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including dental implants for patients looking to rebuild their smiles and restore their overall quality of life. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (214) 619-4990.