Burgeoning consumer demand for dental implants has prompted dentists nationwide to add implants to their practices, and some have mounted aggressive advertising campaigns to promote implants to consumers. But how can patients objectively evaluate the qualifications of a dentist to perform implant surgery?

Today, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID, www.aaid.com), the leading professional society for dental-implant practitioners, advised consumers interested in implants that in-depth practitioner training and experience are critical for successful outcomes, and prospective patients should inquire about a dentist’s implant qualifications (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/American-Academy-of-Implant-Dentistry.html> American Academy of Implant Dentistry).

“It can be a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth,” said AAID President Joel Rosenlicht, DMD. “Many practitioners, including general dentists, are well qualified to provide implant treatment, based on their extensive experience and in-depth training. However, beware of those who simply attend a weekend implant seminar.”

Rosenlicht further explained it is impossible for a dentist to become proficient at implant surgery over the course of a single weekend. “Regardless of whether a dentist is a specialist or a general practitioner, attending a weekend session isn’t enough. There is a higher level of risk with the procedure if the dentist hasn’t had extensive, specific training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants.”

He added that implant surgery is precise and very predictable, but it is an invasive procedure that requires excellent surgical skills. “In most cases, the surgery won’t be successful unless patients have sufficient bone mass in the jaw to secure the implant. So rigorous training and extensive experience are critical factors when judging if a patient would be a good candidate for implants.”