hygienist Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Hi there,

I am a candidate for dental implants and want to make sure I find the best cosmetic dentist. I am nervous about getting dental surgery. The more experienced the dental implant dentist, the less risk of dental implant failure, right? That’s what I read online. However, nothing I have read mentions how many years an implant dentist needs before they can call themselves “the best”? Is there a certain, specific number I should look for?

Twila, from Salem, MA

Hi Twila,

The more experience a dental implant dentist has, the higher their success rate when placing implants and performing surgery. Researching a dentist before starting any surgical procedures is very important, as it will help you save time and save money in the long run. For example, an inexperienced dentist may recommend a bone graft when you do not need one, or may say they cannot place implants due to lack of bone. They also may struggle to color match the porcelain crown that covers the dental implant. Choosing the wrong dentist could cause you to start over again with a different dentist, costing you even more money.

Many patients entrust their dental implant surgery to their general or family dentist, basing their choice on trust rather than the dentist’s experience. No matter how long your dentist has been in practice, if they do not have dental implant experience, they may not be the best option for your procedure.

There are no research studies done on how many years an implant dentist needs in order to be the best. However, studies show that restorations last longer when done by a dental implant specialist versus those done by a dentist. However, some dental implants just fail. Be sure to maintain your oral hygiene routines and continue with follow-up appointments post-surgery.

There is no magic number of years of practice to look for. Instead, focus on finding someone who has many years of continuing education in dental implants, and who has done a large number of cases.

To find the best implant dentist for your case, check the websites and reviews of cosmetic dentists in your area. Most will let you do a free consultation before booking an appointment. If you are really worried, you can ask your potential dentist how many of their implant cases have failed, as they will most likely remember. Bear in mind that one or two failed procedures at a practice that sees many patients is no cause for concern. Choose your potential dentist based on their experience as well as their bedside manner, someone who listens and answers your questions sincerely.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group. Please note that dental implant specialist is not a certified field of dentistry; however, dentists that have attended continuing education courses on dental implant procedures and have experience with palcing implants will call themselves dental implant specialists.

Hi there,

I take good care of my teeth at home and always go to my hygienist every six months. However, a coworker mentioned I have had bad breath for months! They were too nervous to tell me, but I wish they had told me sooner! I’m very embarrassed by this. My dentist said getting a deep cleaning would eradicate the smell, but I’m not due for another cleaning for several months! I think there has to be some other underlying problem that he must be missing. What could it be? Would a holistic dentist be able to help me with my problem better? I just want my breath to go back to normal.

John, from Jackson, Wyoming

Hi John,

A holistic dentist may be able to help you. Holistic dentists take your entire medical history and your entire body into account when prescribing treatment. Holistic dentists are not certified specialists, but rather have a treatment philosophy based around natural practices, the patient’s input, and the patient’s medical history. For example, holistic dentists tend to do metal-free or mercury-free dentistry. Your issue could be caused by gum disease, or if your cleanings failed to remove all the buildup or bacteria present. However, bad breath could have other biological triggers such as diet or underlying health issues.

Some things you can consider adding to your oral hygiene routine could include cleaning your tongue with a tooth brush or tongue scraper. Try switching your mouthwash to an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol-based ones can kill good bacteria and make your gums dry. If you’re already brushing and flossing regularly, be sure to make sure you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated throughout the day. Avoid anything like breath mints or breath spray, as it only treats the surface problem and not the underlying one.

Seeing a holistic dentist for a second opinion certainly can’t hurt, especially if you think your general dentist missed something.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio holistic dentist, Dr. Gilberto Tostado.

How Many Years of Experience Does an Implant Dentist Need to be the Best?

Will a Holistic Dentist Help With My Bad Breath?