Many of you have asked why I don’t place implants. The reason is simple. Up until now, I hadn’t taken specialized training. And bottom line, I didn’t want to do my learning on you. That’s been remedied. Last month, I completed the third four-day, jam packed session on implant selection, bone grafting, and decision making training. I traveled with Dana and Katie, my assistants, to Canada where we saw 17 surgeries in three days, with much discussion and training following every surgery.Since I don’t have a Canadian dental license,
I observed and assisted the doctor placing the implants. We came back well prepared to place most implants right here in the office.
If you are thinking of replacing missing teeth with implants, or holding your dentures or partials better with implants, I’d be happy to discuss your options with you. Each person and case is different. Whether or not I place your implant(s) here in the office depends on if you have enough bone in the area. If so, I can do it here. If not, I will refer you to the right specialist to add bone. After the bone is solid, I can place the implant(s) about six months later. It’s that simple.
With improvements in techniques and materials, implants have come a long way in the last 25 years. It is absolutely amazing how the body accepts implants. It’s come to the point that you’d be better off with an implant than a root canal, post, core and crown. The financial investment is similar and implants have a greater success rate. They are a great, long-term replacement for missing teeth!
Maybe 2012 is the year you make the resolution to replace that missing tooth. Or, for those of you denture wearers - to have your dentures stay put!
In the Interest of Better Dental Health,
Dr. Chuck
