Reviewed By Dr. Robert Barron, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
You’ve done your research. You know dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, and you’re ready to move forward. Now comes the most critical decision: choosing your surgeon.
Choosing an oral surgeon is about more than scheduling a procedure. The surgeon’s training, experience, and approach directly affect the long-term success of your dental implants. By asking the right questions, you can feel confident you’re selecting a professional who can deliver safe, lasting results.
Your consultation is the perfect time to get clear answers. These 10 questions will help you evaluate your options and make the best choice for your health and your smile.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Asking the right questions during your dental implant consultation helps you choose a surgeon with the training, experience, and approach you can trust. The answers you receive will give you clarity and confidence, ensuring your investment leads to safe, lasting results.
1.Are You a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete 4-6 years of additional hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school. This specialized training covers additional procedures like bone grafting and sinus lifts that may be necessary for successful implants. General dentists can place implants, but oral surgeons have the highest level of training for surgical complications and complex cases.
2.How Many Implant Procedures Have You Performed?
Experience directly impacts success rates. Look for a surgeon who has placed hundreds or thousands of implants. Experienced surgeons can handle unexpected situations during surgery and have refined techniques that improve outcomes. Ask for specific numbers, not vague answers like “many” or “lots.”
3.What Technology Do You Use for Planning and Placement?
Modern implant success relies on 3D imaging (CBCT scans) and computer-guided surgery. 3D imaging gives your surgeon a clear view of your bone structure, nerves, and sinuses, which helps plan the safest and most precise placement. Surgical guides created from 3D planning ensure precise implant placement. Surgeons without this technology are working with outdated methods that increase risk.
4.Am I a Good Candidate for Implants, and Are There Preparatory Steps?
A proper evaluation will confirm if dental implants are the right choice for you. Your surgeon should look at factors like bone density, gum health, and overall medical history. In some cases, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended to create the best foundation. Knowing this ahead of time helps set realistic expectations and ensures the implants are built to last.
5.What Is the Complete Treatment Timeline from Start to Finish?
Dental implant treatment is a process that happens in stages. It typically includes your consultation, the implant placement surgery, a healing period, and finally the placement of your crown. Most patients can expect several months from start to finish, though the exact timeline depends on your individual needs. If additional procedures like bone grafting are required, your surgeon will explain how that affects your schedule so you know what to expect at each step.
6.What Type of Anesthesia or Sedation Options Do You Offer?
Feeling comfortable and at ease during surgery is an important part of your care. Your surgeon should explain the sedation options available, which may include oral medication or IV sedation. Having different choices allows the treatment to be tailored to your procedure and your comfort level, giving you peace of mind on the day of surgery.
7.What Brand and Materials Are the Implants Made Of?
Premium implant brands like Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer Biomet have decades of research and proven success rates. These systems ensure replacement parts will be available years later. Avoid surgeons who use unknown brands or won’t disclose implant manufacturers.
8.What Is the Total, All-Inclusive Cost?
Get the complete cost upfront: consultation, imaging, surgery, implant, abutment, and crown. Ask for a written estimate that includes everything needed to complete your treatment.
9.What Does Post-Operative Care and Recovery Look Like?
Successful healing depends on good care after surgery. Your surgeon should give you clear instructions for the first few days, schedule follow-up visits, and provide a way to reach the office if questions come up. Knowing what recovery involves helps you prepare ahead of time and feel confident as you heal.
10.What Is Your Success Rate and How Do You Handle Complications?
It is reasonable to ask about your surgeon’s success rate with dental implants. Experienced oral surgeons typically achieve success rates above 95%. Just as important is understanding how they manage complications if they arise. A qualified surgeon will be open about their results and explain the steps they take to address issues, giving you confidence that you’ll be supported throughout your treatment.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation in Vaughan
Ready to take the next step with confidence? Schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Robert Barron at Concord Oral Surgery in Vaughan. We welcome your questions and are ready to provide the clear, detailed answers you deserve.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON, call (905) 669-2616. We are located at 3300 Highway 7 West, Suite 805 Vaughan, ON.
