September is Dental Implant Awareness Month. Sponsored by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), this month-long campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of dental implants as a solution for missing teeth. It also emphasizes the value of dental implants in restoring both oral health and overall quality of life. EIL turned to Dr. Dexter Mattox, DMD, MD, the son of respected physician Dr. Huitt Mattox and now owner and operator of Innova Dental Implant Institute, for some information about his practice and guidance on how to choose a dental implant surgeon.
5 Keys to Choosing the Right Dental Implant Surgeon
Thinking about dental implants? You're on the path to restoring not just your smile, but your confidence and quality of life. A successful outcome, however, starts with choosing the right expert. As we observe Dental Implant Awareness Month, here are five essential things to look for when selecting your dental implant surgeon.
1. Specialized Training is a Must
While many dentists offer implants, a surgical procedure like this is best left to a specialist. Look for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist. These experts have completed years of additional, rigorous hospital-based surgical training specifically in the bones, gums, and tissues of the mouth. This advanced training is crucial for handling complex cases and ensuring the highest standard of care.
2. Proven Experience Matters
You wouldn't want a pilot on their first solo flight, and the same logic applies here. Don't be shy about asking a potential surgeon, "How many implants do you place each year?" A surgeon who routinely performs these procedures has honed their skills and is better equipped to deliver a predictable, successful result. High volume often translates to high-quality outcomes.
3. Ask About Guided or Navigated Surgery
Technology has transformed implant placement from a freehand procedure into a precise, digitally planned science. Ask if your surgeon uses guided or navigational surgery. This process uses a 3D model of your jaw to place the implant in the exact, pre-planned position for optimal support and longevity.
This precision isn't just for show; it makes the procedure more minimally invasive. By knowing the exact location, the surgeon can often use a smaller incision, which means less post-operative discomfort, reduced swelling, and a significantly faster healing time for you. This predictable, minimally invasive approach is the gold standard for modern implant surgery.
4. Top-Tier Implant Quality
Not all dental implants are created equal. The quality of the implant itself is a critical factor for long-term success. Ask your surgeon what brand of implants they use. More importantly, ask if your implant will have a Morse taper connection. This advanced, cone-shaped internal design creates an incredibly tight, microscopically sealed connection between the implant and the abutment (the piece that connects to your new tooth). This "cold weld" seal is superior at preventing bacterial leakage and micro-movements, which are leading causes of long-term complications.
5. Ask Your General Dentist for a Referral
One of the best resources you have is your trusted general dentist. They are familiar with the specialists in the community because they work with them every day, ultimately placing the final crowns on the implants the surgeons place. They see the results firsthand and know who consistently achieves the best outcomes. Ask them the ultimate question: "If you or a member of your family needed a dental implant, who would you send them to?" Their answer is one of the most valuable recommendations you can get.
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important investment you can make in your new smile. Take your time, do your research, and select a qualified specialist who checks all these boxes.
About Innova:
At Innova Dental Implant Institute, Dr. Mattox utilizes state-of-the-art technology for unparalleled precision and patient safety, including the revolutionary X-Guide® navigational system. “The X-Guide is like a GPS for my instruments,” he explains. “It provides a live, 360-degree view of a patient’s jaw, allowing me to see the exact position, angle, and depth of my instruments in real-time. We are essentially transferring the perfect digital plan directly to the patient’s smile with unparalleled precision.” This technology means procedures are often less invasive, with faster recovery times and a higher degree of safety, protecting vital structures in the jaw.
While Dr. Mattox provides a full scope of oral surgery services, including wisdom teeth removal, his deep expertise lies in complex, full-mouth dental implant rehabilitation. His signature InnovaSmile™ All-on-X procedure is a life-changing solution for those with failing or missing teeth. This is where Innova truly sets itself apart. The InnovaSmile™ process combines navigational surgery with two other game-changing technologies: intraoral scanning and photogrammetry. Using a device called a MicronMapper, Dr. Mattox can create a hyper-accurate 3D model of the patient's mouth. “This technique of photogrammetry is incredibly exciting,” says Dr. Mattox. “It allows us to achieve a final fit for our patients' new teeth that is up to 20 times more accurate than traditional methods. For the patient, that means superior comfort, function, and longevity.”
The surgeon behind the technology is just as impressive. As a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who also holds a medical degree (MD), Dr. Mattox’s advanced training places him in an elite group of surgeons nationwide, and his passion for collaboration with local dentists ensures a seamless continuity of care for patients throughout the Golden Isles. From a single dental implant to a complete smile transformation, Innova Dental Implant Institute is proving that the future of oral surgery isn’t just in big cities—it’s right here in Brunswick.
Schedule a consultation by calling 912.266.8100 or learn more by visiting innovaimplants.com.
