A question from an oral surgeon

While I applaud your effort to educate the public about ClearChoice, I am slightly curious why you would recommend implant candidates seeking opinions FIRST from a general dentist, prosthodontist, etc? You state that a surgeon should not be the first point of contact. I don’t, for one second, claim that a surgeon and only a surgeon should place implants. As an oral surgeon, I constantly mentor local general dentists with implant advice and I’m happy to do it when it’s in the patient’s best interest. After all, that should rule the way we practice. However, to suggest NOT seeking an opinion of a surgeon seems off base. I would surmise that even the worst surgeon has more implant experience that most general dentists. If you understood the requirements of a surgical residency, this point would be evident and obvious. In our community, far too many general dentists escape to Vegas for a weekend course, return to their struggling practices, and preach “expertise” about implant surgery. How do I know? I have the opportunity to see the disasters; implants in the sinus, drill prep into the IA canal, implants placed so close that bone will surely necrose, and on and on it goes. So while I applaud your effort to inform the public about ClearChoice and the flaws that surround it, please don’t misguide the public in thinking that a specialist should not or does not fit into the equation when it comes to learning about implant surgery. Thank you.
– an oral surgeon in Utah

Dear oral surgeon,
I agree with you that generally oral surgeons and periodontists are the most qualified professionals to be actually doing the implant surgery. The reason I recommend the CONSULTATION with the restorative dentist first is that I believe that when the surgeon places the implants, he or she should do so according to a restorative treatment plan. I have had reports of oral surgeons who have placed dental implants without a restorative treatment plan, and the outcome has been less than optimum.

I hope that helps. Maybe I should explain that more carefully. In no way to I intend to de-emphasize the importance of adequate surgical skills in the actual implant surgery.
Thanks,
Dave Hall

Dear Dave,
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your clarification and totally agree with your point. To not include the restorative dentist is suicide.

I really appreciate your efforts to inform the public regarding ClearChoice. Recently, they set up camp in Salt Lake. I think they have only found modest success and a not so warm reception. Interestingly, I have seen six or so patients seeking a second opinion. In a sense, they have done some marketing for all of us. The consistent complaints of cost continues to turn people away.

Thanks again for your reply and taking the time.

Warm regards,
Utah oral surgeon

Other links:
Read about the cost of ClearChoice Dental Implants