How do I choose an implantologist?

That is why, when choosing an implantologist, it is worth paying attention to the specialist’s experience, patient reviews, and more. At the Precize dental clinic in Vilnius, dental implantation procedures are performed by Dr. Rokas Borusevičius, PhD.

Assess the Doctor’s Qualifications and Specialization

When choosing an implantologist, the first thing worth evaluating is their qualifications and experience in implantology and related fields — periodontology, oral surgery, and bone regeneration. The doctor should assess whether there is enough bone for implant placement, the condition of the gums around the future implant, whether there is active periodontal inflammation, whether bone grafting or a sinus lift may be needed, and how the implant will later be restored with a prosthesis.

Pay Attention to the Doctor’s Experience with Highly Complex Treatment

Patients often assume that implantation is the same for everyone. In reality, every case is different: one patient needs a single tooth restored, another several, and a third — an entire jaw. In some cases, additional surgical procedures may be required before or during implantation. The following conditions are considered more complex clinical situations:

• teeth that have been missing for a longer period of time;
• resorbed (shrunken) jawbone;
• a history of periodontal disease;
• thin or receding gums;
• the upper jaw area, where the sinus is close by;
• the need to restore not only function but also the aesthetics of the smile.

Ask How the Doctor Performs Diagnostics

Reliable implant planning begins first and foremost with comprehensive diagnostics — the doctor needs to evaluate bone height and width, anatomical structures, adjacent teeth, the bite, and the future prosthetic restoration. To fully understand why a particular treatment solution is being proposed, it is worth asking during the consultation:

• what examinations are needed in your specific case;
• whether a 3D X-ray / CT (computed tomography) scan will be performed;
• whether the doctor plans the future prosthesis before the implantation itself;
• whether it will be explained why this specific number and position of implants is being proposed;
• whether alternatives will be discussed.

Make Sure the Doctor Evaluates Your Overall Health

The success of dental implantation depends not only on the condition of the mouth but also on the patient’s overall health. Before the procedure, the doctor should assess individual risk factors: whether the patient has diabetes, smokes, takes certain medications, has had periodontal disease, has recently undergone other surgical procedures, or has active inflammation in the mouth.

Evaluate Whether the Doctor Communicates Clearly and Is Understanding

A good implantologist not only performs the procedure but also explains what will be done, why it is necessary, and what the patient can expect. This is especially important for patients who feel anxious about surgical procedures. In implantology, you should also be wary of promises that sound too absolute: always, guaranteed, without any risk. During the consultation, it is worth noting:

• whether the doctor listens to your expectations;
• whether they explain the possible risks;
• whether they discuss alternatives;
• whether they answer questions without rushing;
• whether they explain what to do after the procedure;
• whether they speak realistically, without unfounded promises.

Don’t Forget Long-Term Aftercare

Dental implants are not a “set it and forget it” solution. Even a high-quality dental implantation requires proper oral hygiene and regular preventive check-ups. This helps avoid various complications and inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard tissues. So when choosing an implantologist, it is worth asking not only about the procedure but also about the care that follows:

• how many follow-up visits will be needed;
• how to care for the areas around the implants at home;
• how often professional oral hygiene should be performed;
• which signs should prompt you to contact your doctor;
• how the clinic monitors the condition of the implants in the long term.

Evaluate the Doctor’s Professional Activity

Implantology is a field that is constantly evolving — from diagnostics, digital planning, and surgery to implant systems and prosthetic solutions. That is why a doctor’s continuous professional development, through participation in various conferences and advanced training courses, can be a meaningful signal of trust.

Dr. Rokas Borusevičius, PhD, who works at the Precize aesthetic dentistry clinic, is a dentist-periodontologist performing dental implantation and related surgical procedures. His professional experience allows him to take a comprehensive view of the patient’s situation — considering not only the restoration of the missing tooth but also the importance of the bone, gums, periodontal tissues, and the future prosthetic restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When choosing an implantologist, patients often have not only technical but also practical questions: how to understand the doctor’s approach, whether the aesthetic result matters, what to do when feeling anxious, and when it is worth seeking a second opinion. These answers will help you look at the choice more broadly and evaluate not just the procedure itself, but the entire treatment experience.

• Is it important for an implantologist to understand the principles of aesthetic dentistry? Yes, especially if the implant is planned in the front (anterior) zone. In such cases, it is important not only to restore chewing function but also to plan how the future tooth will look visually, how it will harmonize with the adjacent teeth, the gum line, and facial aesthetics.
• What can you learn about a doctor during the first consultation? The first consultation often reveals how the doctor makes decisions and communicates with the patient. It is worth noting whether the doctor rushes to propose a single solution, whether they explain why a specific treatment is needed, whether they discuss possible alternatives, and whether they answer questions in an understandable way.
• Can I ask for a second opinion before dental implantation? Yes, asking for a second opinion is completely normal, especially if the proposed treatment is more complex, longer, or requires a larger investment. Another specialist can help confirm the treatment plan, suggest alternatives, or explain more clearly why certain treatment stages are necessary.
• How can I tell that an implantologist values not just the procedure, but the entire treatment experience? This can be seen in how the doctor talks about the course of treatment: whether they explain the preparation, healing, temporary solutions, final prosthetic restoration, and patient comfort. A doctor who takes a broader view usually shows interest in the patient’s expectations, concerns, and lifestyle.
• Should it matter how the doctor responds to a patient’s anxiety? Dental implantation causes tension for many patients simply because it is a surgical procedure. So when choosing a doctor, it is worth assessing whether the specialist calmly explains the course of the procedure, discusses pain relief options, and communicates in a pleasant manner.

Looking for an Implantologist You Can Trust?

When choosing an implantologist, it is important to feel confident in the specialist’s experience and to have a clearly planned course of treatment. At the Precize aesthetic dentistry clinic in Vilnius, patients are consulted by Dr. Rokas Borusevičius, PhD — a doctor who takes a comprehensive approach to implantology.