Here’s something that may surprise you: dentists can perform dental implant surgery with little to no training in the procedure. While this might seem alarming, the law allows dentists to use their own judgment in deciding whether they feel qualified to perform dental procedures, including dental implant surgery.
A general dentist performing dental implant surgery might have studied the subject briefly in college. They might have taken a weekend course sponsored by implant companies. They might never have performed the procedure before.
If you are looking for a Southlake implant dentist, it’s up to you to make sure you’re choosing one with the training, experience, and expertise that can give you peace of mind. The easiest way to ensure your implant dentist has the necessary surgical training is to choose a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Detailed Training
The first step in becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is becoming a dentist. That’s right: a Southlake oral and maxillofacial surgeon has all the training of a general dentist, then they pursue additional training.
In addition to dental training, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon receives a detailed education in the anatomy of the jaw, face, and mouth. This helps them appreciate not only the general anatomy of the region but also the variability that can make a big difference in your procedure.
Before receiving board certification, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon must demonstrate mastery of these complex topics in both written and oral exams.
Surgical Training
Oral and maxillofacial surgical training includes 4-6 years of training focused on the surgical specialty in addition to anatomy. This bridges over into the training that medical doctors receive, and it includes general surgery; plastic surgery; neurosurgery, and ear, nose, and throat surgery.
This surgical training covers all aspects of the surgical procedure. It includes training in how to prepare patients to achieve the best outcomes, including reduced recovery times, reduced surgical discomfort, and more attractive results.
When you choose an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as your Southlake implant dentist, you benefit from this focused surgical training.
Safety Training
Surgical complications in oral surgery are relatively rare. When they do occur, infections may be the most common, and anesthesia complications may be the most serious. As part of their surgical training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receives training in how to prevent these types of complications as well as how to respond in the event of complications.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon candidates take 5 months of dedicated anesthesia resident training. That is, for five months, they do the same work as an anesthesiologist resident treating both adult and pediatric patients. This gives them extensive experience in safely managing anesthesia for all patients.
This makes an oral and maxillofacial surgeon an extremely safe choice for a Southlake implant dentist.
Proven Record of Success
The training of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon isn’t just classroom work. Instead, much of the training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons occur as residents in medical and hospital settings, practicing what they’ve learned.
As part of achieving board certification, an oral and maxillofacial surgery candidate must present and defend several case studies. These are actual surgical procedures the candidate performed. Evaluating surgeons consider these case studies and determine whether the candidate demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skill in performing the procedure. Only candidates demonstrating this knowledge and skill will achieve a board certification.
When you choose an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as your Southlake implant dentist, you know they have a proven record of surgical success. (For additional evidence of our successful treatment of patients, check out our smile gallery.)
Peace of Mind
All of this training and assessment can give you peace of mind in your Southlake implant dentist. You know that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will have:
- Detailed knowledge of the procedure and anatomy
- Surgical training in best procedures
- Safety training to minimize risks
- A proven record of success
This knowledge will help you feel comfortable and secure during your implant procedure.
A Southlake Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
If you are considering dental implants in Southlake, choose an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has all the above essential and beneficial training.
Consider Dr. Richard Urbanek, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has spent more than 25 years placing dental implants. He has placed more than 6,000 dental implants, and that experience adds considerably to his extensive training.
Want to learn more about the benefits of working with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for your dental implants? Please call (817) 587-4414 or use our online form to request an appointment at StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, located in Southlake Texas, near the CISD Aquatics Center.
