I recently got dentures and have decided it was a mistake. I want to replace them with implant overdentures. I originally went with the dentures because there isn’t a reputable dental implant dentist in my area. If I am going to do this, I want to do it right. That will require me to travel for my dental implants. I’m thinking of traveling a couple of states away. This particular dentist is very well known for both his dental implant skills as well as his cosmetic work. Patients travel from everywhere, including other countries, to have their work done by him. What recommendations do you have for this type of arrangement?
Amaya
Dear Amaya,
Implant Overdentures
I am very glad to hear that you’ll be able to get the treatment you really want and not have to limit yourself to what is available in your geographic area. You’ll find implant supported dentures a huge step up from what you’ve been dealing with. When it comes to traveling to get this care done there are a few considerations. Some of them you’ve already taken care of. However, I’m going to list them anyway for the benefit of others.
It’s Imperative You Check the Dental Implant Qualifications of the Dentist
You want to make certain the dentist you choose has done extensive training in the dental implant procedure post-doctorally. In addition to that, you want to ask how many dental implant procedures he’s completed along with his success rate. It needs to be a large number of procedures with around a 98% success rate.
No dentist will have a 100% success rate. Both the patient and the dentist can do everything perfectly and some dental implant procedures will fail. This is because of the differences in our biological makeups and sometimes a body just rejects an implant.
Budget Carefully for the Number of Trips You’ll Have to Take
Truthfully, you should plan on at least six different appointments. Some of them will include: the initial consultation, surgery, post-op checks, healing checks, impression appointments, and placement appointments. Each dentist is a little different in how they handle these so discuss this thoroughly with your caregiver.
You’ll need enough money to travel back and forth to all of these appointments, as well as gas, food, and lodging.
Understand the Dentists Emergency Protocol
Make sure you know how he’ll want you to handle any dental emergencies which pop up during your treatment. Will he want you to come in to see him directly? Will he do an evaluation over skype first?
Plan Your Post-Surgical Care Giver
You’ll be in no condition to travel after your dental implant surgery. While you may have a nice cozy hotel room, you will need someone to be with you for at least the first day after surgery. Plan on having someone come with you whom you trust and who has the personality to deal with someone post-surgery.
I hope this helps. As you are seeing a dentist who already deals with both national and international patients, he likely has a system in place to make this very easy for you to plan out, so your first order of business is to set up that consultation with him.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey
