FAQ's
How do I choose the best doctor to place and restore my implants?
Implant dentistry is completely dependent on seeing the final result before treatment is begun. This requires a complete prosthetic workup of your entire mouth that takes into account your overall health, the health of your natural teeth, the health of the gum and bone supporting them, the health of your bite-relationship, and the esthetic health that your treatment will achieve. Careful analysis of models of your teeth and preliminary wax-up is usually necessary to determine the ideal site preparation and the precision placement of your new tooth root for a result that is comfortable and natural. Choose a doctor or team that explains to you the importance of planning in the very beginning. Implant Dentistry is a prosthetic discipline that involves much more than simply placing an implant.
Wouldn't the doctor who has a residency in oral surgery or periodontics who has placed a large number of implants be the best one to go to?
Maybe, but maybe not. It comes down to current education and competence in all phases of implant dentistry, which is primarily a restorative discipline.
What credentials indicate that a doctor is competent and current in all phases of implant dentistry?
Implant dentistry is not a specialty unto itself. It has been difficult for dentistry to make it a specialty for the very reason that it involves multiple disciplines in order for it to be done properly. The American Board of Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID) is the credentialing organization that oversees and is concerned about a clinician's ability to perform all phases of implant dentistry properly. It was established and incorporated in Illinois in 1969. Currently, there are 270 dentists, mostly in the United States, who have been certified as Diplomates of the ABOI/ID. These dentists have voluntarily subjected themselves to intense testing, written and oral, in all phases of implant dentistry. Dr. Swallow is among these Diplomates.
How long will it take to have my treatment completed?
All restorative cases are unique. When healing time is a part of the plan, it is never rushed. The current literature in implant dentistry is largely focused on ways to enhance healing and increase fixation of new tooth roots. This research is already allowing us to give you new fixed teeth on or near the same treatment time that the new tooth roots (dental implants) are placed. Even more so, combining surgical and restorative phases diminishes total time of treatment dramatically. You may be sure that the Center for Restorative Dentistry is completely tuned into the current research and that you will receive the best treatment in the shortest time frame possible.
How much does it cost to have real new teeth?
When multiple practitioners treat a case there are inherent inefficiencies in time and communication. Increased time and any break in communication yield increased costs and/or a diminished result. Reconstructive dentistry is expensive and the very best laboratory work available makes it more so. When the surgical and restorative phases are done together and planned in sync, total expenses go down. Even with the best laboratory technology available the Center for Restorative Dentistry is highly competitive.