Oral trauma, gum disease, tooth extraction… these can result in missing teeth which, in turn, can affect chewing, speaking, and how confident you feel with your smile. A long-term, durable solution? Dental implants. Permanent and natural-looking, dental implants restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.
So who do you turn to for this transformative dental treatment? You might be wondering, “Can my general dentist do dental implants?” The team at Naperville Dental Specialists have answers here as we talk about dental implant surgery and restoration.
(Spoiler alert: as a prosthodontist, Dr. LaVacca specializes in missing teeth and restoration dentistry, meaning you’re in safe, expert hands at our Naperville dental practice if seeking dental implant treatment.)
First, What Type of Dentist Does Implants?
Understanding who you want to entrust with your dental implant procedure starts with knowing the qualifications of different dental specialists. While general dentists receive training in a breadth of dental procedures including implants, the depth of expertise and experience can vary widely. So to answer the question, “Can a general dentist do dental implants?” The answer is, yes they can. However, you may want to consider seeing a specialist for this procedure, because as it turns out, there is one! A prosthodontist.
So What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist like Dr. LaVacca is a dental specialist who focuses on restoring and replacing teeth. In other words, prosthodontists are the experts when it comes to diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of your smile’s health, function, comfort, and appearance when you have missing teeth and want to address it. Their training and experience focuses on complex restorative procedures like dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures, with the goal of optimizing function and aesthetics.
Additionally, Dr. LaVacca is also a board-certified prosthodontist with the American College of Prosthodontists, meaning he’s taken the extra voluntary step to ensure he practices at the highest standards of patient care, current techniques, and continual knowledge.
Why Should I See a Prosthodontist for Implants?
Prosthodontists like Dr. LaVacca bring a higher level of expertise to dental implant procedures. He ensures that every aspect — from the initial surgery to the final restoration — is precise and meets your personal smile goals.
Here are a few reasons why you should see your Naperville prosthodontist for your dental implants vs. a general dentist.
- Specialized Training: As mentioned, prosthodontists have three additional years of rigorous training and clinical practice in a residency after dental school. This training encompasses the latest techniques and technologies in dental implantology.
- Complex Cases: If you have complicated dental issues or multiple missing teeth, a prosthodontist is well-equipped to handle these challenges. Their extensive experience and knowledge allows them to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, whether you need just one dental implant, several in an All-on-4 procedure, or even mini implants.
- Aesthetic Results: Prosthodontists balance function and aesthetics. The art and science of restoring teeth. Dr. LaVacca ensures that your final restoration feels and looks natural, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Advanced Technology: Naperville Dental Specialists stays at the forefront of state-of-the-art dental technology so our patients can receive the highest level of care with accuracy and personalization. As your go-to implant dentist in Naperville, this includes painless and quick digital x-rays and 3D imaging for personalized planning and precise execution of dental implant procedures.
Expert Dental Implants in Naperville
Whether you’re considering implants for a single tooth or a more complex restoration, Dr. LaVacca’s expertise means you’ll experience a successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your smile that will last a lifetime. As an award-winning team, you can trust that your smile is with the experts at Naperville Dental Specialists.
Schedule an appointment with your trusted implant dentist in Naperville.
