Choosing an implant dentist...

Knowing whom to ask about Dental Implants may be confusing. As with any specialized care, you should start with your own, general or family dentist, the one who knows you best. Most general dentists can provide the most basic of specialized care, that is simple extractions, periodontal care, and endodontic treatment, and he or she also knows when your needs are more difficult and should be referred to a specialist. General dentists have the same basic educational experience as specialists, so general dentists understand much about the specialities.

The field of Dental Implantology is not new, some implants were being placed to help patients back in the 1950's, but the field of dental implantology education is quite new. Almost all dentists practicing today have only had about one hour of education, while in dental school, related to dental implants, so many dentists do not understand even the most basic principles of the field. If your dentist cannot answer your questions, or says you are not a candidate for an implant, or says you "can't have an implant", ask for a referral to someone who has experience, training, and understands Dental Implantology. If you are sent for a dental implantology consultation with a specialist in another dental area, for example an oral surgeon or periodontist, be sure to inquire about their specific training in this highly technical field. Most speciality programs, even today, still only offer a basic overview of dental implantology and do not allow time for much experience.

This is why it is beneficial to find a dentist who is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). All AAID members are committed to superior patient care. Credentialed Membership requires proof of mastery of several implant systems by oral presentation and peer-review of successful case histories and the completion of difficult written and oral examinations. No other dental professional organization evaluates its members' dental implant expertise as thoroughly as the AAID. It is a prudent way to be sure that you are getting state-of-the-art information.

Legally any qualified dentist can. It is important to find an Implant Dentist (or Dentists) who has the unique special training and the extensive experience necessary for the diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical procedures, and precision prosthetic treatment that are part of healthy, functional, and esthetic care.

To assist in your search for a qualified and experienced implant dentist, keep in mind these five questions:

• 1) What is the dentist's education or training?

• 2) Is he or she a member of the AAID?

• 3) How many implant procedures has your dentist performed?

• 4) How long has your dentist been performing implant procedures?

• 5) Is your dentist experienced in a variety of implant modalities (different implant types)?

You can locate a member of the Southern District of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico at the AAID web site's Find a Member Listing.

For a list of all AAID members you can write, call, e-mail or link to:

© Southern District, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 1997

Revised F.J. DuCOIN, 8/17/97