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PHILADELPHIA—Dimplants expert Dr. David DiGiallorenzo recently released a list of questions that should be asked of dentists when patients select a professional for dental implant placement.
It is important to select someone who has received extensive training in the specialty and who has a track record of success when it comes to performing the procedure, according to DiGiallorenzo, a periodontist.
“There are 11 specialties within the dentistry field, and dentists have a general scope of practice upon completing dental school,” he said.
Dentists who pursue a specialty typically must undergo an additional three to five years of training after dental school, often earning an additional master’s or doctoral degree in their specialty in the process.
There are few rules that govern what dentists can do, and as a result, many biomedical device manufacturers offer weekend courses on dental implant placement. Some dentists take these courses, return to their offices and perform these intricate procedures with just a couple days of training under their belts.
This list of questions can help patients determine whether their dental professional has the training and experience necessary to place dental implants.
The Institute for Dental Implant Awareness recommends patients ask these questions if they are considering a general dentist, endodontist, or prosthodontist to place their implants:
- How many surgical training courses did the doctor take?
- How long was each course?
- How long has the doctor been placing implants?
- How many does she/he place annually?
- How many implants-related continuing education courses does the doctor attend annually?
- How many courses has the doctor taken management of complications related to dental implants?
- Ask to see before/after photos that show the results that were achieved.
For oral surgeons or periodontists, patients should ask these questions prior to selecting a professional, according to the IDIA.
- How many years of experience does the doctor have in placing implants?
- How many procedures does he/she perform annually?
- How long has the doctor worked with the doctor who will restore the implants?
- How many cases have they done together?
- Does the doctor have before/after photos to show the results that they have achieved as a team?
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about dental implant procedures or you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of the Philadelphia periodontists in DiGiallorenzo’s practice to discuss your dental implant needs, call (610) 409-6064 in Collegeville; (570) 322-4741 in Williamsport; or visit perioimplants.us/.
About Dr. David Digiallorenzo
Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or “Dr. D,” graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995. He is a past associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Periodontics. He teaches nationally and internationally and is a regular contributor to dental literature.
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