How to Choose a Dental Implant Dentist

Dental Experience

It may be a cliché, but there is no substitute for experience. Regardless of how long a dentist spends studying dental implants until they put their knowledge into practice, they cannot develop the skill and expertise to make them a true master of their trade. We always recommend choosing a dentist with a combination of professional qualifications and experience in whatever dental procedure you want.

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Building rapport and a relationship with your dentist is essential to feeling confident in their abilities to deliver a high-quality procedure with an exemplary level of customer care.

A great dentist will be happy to spend time speaking to you about your requirements and answer any questions that you may have about the procedure. We know sometimes it can be challenging to think of questions on the spot, so we’ve included some suggestions below.

• Where did you do your dental implant training?
• How many dental implant procedures have you performed?
• What is your success rate?
• What steps are involved in the process, and who undertakes each one?
• What should I expect during the procedure in terms of discomfort and recovery time?
• What type of anesthesia will you use?
• Can I be sedated for the procedure?
• What treatment plan would you recommend for me and why?
• What are the benefits and risks involved?
• What costs are involved, and what payment plans can you offer?

Are you considering dental implant surgery? Would you like to find out more information about the process? Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team, who will be happy to help you.

Why is choosing the right implant dentist so important?

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that requires precise planning, technical expertise, and meticulous execution. Unlike simpler dental procedures, implants involve bone surgery, anatomical considerations, and bio-mechanical principles that demand advanced training and experience. The dentist must accurately assess bone density, plan implant positioning in 3D space, manage bone tissue properly, and monitor healing. Mistakes in implant placement can result in implant failure, bone loss, nerve damage, sinus complications, or need for revision surgery. A highly skilled, experienced implant dentist minimizes these risks and maximizes success rates. Additionally, your dentist’s communication style, patience, and willingness to answer questions directly impact your comfort level and confidence in the procedure. Choosing the right dentist means investing not just in a prosthetic tooth, but in your long-term oral health, facial structure, and quality of life.

How important are online reviews?

Online reviews are valuable but shouldn’t be your sole criterion. Look at the overall pattern: Is the average rating consistently high across multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, Zocdoc)? Read individual reviews; detailed comments about specific experiences are more helpful than one-word praise. Look for reviews mentioning the specific aspects you care about: gentle technique, clear communication, esthetic results, handling of complications. Beware of purely five-star reviews with no detail (possibly fake) and consider that some negative reviews may be from patients with unrealistic expectations. However, if you see a consistent pattern of complaints (e.g., multiple reviews mentioning the dentist doesn’t listen, or poor results), take it seriously. Conversely, when reviewers consistently praise gentleness, communication, and great outcomes, that’s a positive indicator. Google and verified review platforms are most reliable; isolated negative reviews on lesser-known sites may be unreliable.

What credentials should an implant dentist have?

At minimum, an implant dentist should hold a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school and a valid dental license in their state. However, the gold standard includes advanced certifications demonstrating specialized training in implant dentistry. Look for membership and/or diplomate status with: the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), or the American Board of Oral Implantologists (ABOI). Diplomate status is particularly prestigious, as it requires documented clinical experience, rigorous examination, and proven competence. Additional credentials indicating expertise include IV sedation certification (showing training in patient safety), advanced training in bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation, and membership in professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Royal at Vero Dental Spa holds DIDIA (Diplomate, International Dental Implant Association) status and maintains certifications far exceeding Florida’s minimum requirements.