Choosing a quality dentist means more than a quick Google search. A good practice combines proper credentials, modern tools, clear communication, and solid follow-up care. Use this short checklist as you read: check credentials, ask about imaging and digital workflows, confirm experience with complex implants, review patient logistics, and watch for common red flags. Below are clear points to help you pick the right denttist for routine care or advanced implant needs.
What credentials to check?
Look for a dentist who is properly licensed and who lists training and board certifications. General dentists handle most routine care; specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists) have extra training. Board certification signals that a clinician met high standards for complex care. If you have a difficult implant or bone loss, ask whether the provider has specialty training and board credentials relevant to your case.
What services and technology should a modern dentist offer?
Imaging and scans
A good practice uses CT scans, intraoral scanners, and facial scanners. These tools let the dentist see bone quality, nerve locations, and facial structure. Better imaging reduces surprises during surgery, improves safety, and helps make a clear treatment plan you can understand.
Digital workflows
Digital tools—like digital impressions, photogrammetry, and same-day milling—speed treatment and improve fit for crowns, implants, and All-on-X prosthetics. A dentist who uses digital workflows can often shorten appointments, reduce remakes, and deliver more predictable results.
Experience with complex implant cases
Ask how many complex implant cases the dentist handles and whether they treat low-bone situations. Practices that manage zygomatic or pterygoid implants, or that coordinate multidisciplinary care, show deeper experience. If a practice lacks imaging or referrals, you may need to seek a specialist for safer outcomes.
Patient logistics and comfort
A clear consultation should cover the full plan, recovery timeline, anesthesia, and follow-up. Ask about postop support, emergency contact, and options for same-week or travel patients. A good dentist explains each step and provides written plans so you can prepare for travel, time off work, and local follow-up care.
Red flags to avoid when choosing a dentist
Watch for no clear treatment plan, lack of imaging, vague or missing credentials, high-pressure sales for expensive procedures, and limited postoperative support. If a provider cannot show before-and-after cases or discuss complications and solutions, consider that a warning sign.
Why consider Dr. Michael Fioritto for complex implant needs?
Dr. Michael Fioritto is one of about nine board-certified implant specialists in Ohio. He offers free consultations and CT scans and has advanced training that many general dentists do not. He teaches local dentists and labs digital All-on-X workflows, showing his leadership in modern implant care.
Advanced surgical options
Dr. Fioritto treats patients who were told they have no bone using techniques like zygomatic, pterygoid, transinus, and subperiosteal implants. His team employs full digital workflows—facial scanners, intraoral scanners, and photogrammetry—for accurate planning and prosthetics.
Patient travel and continuity of care
Out-of-state patients can meet the surgeon the day before surgery and return home the day after. Postoperative checks are done with the referring dentist locally, with a final in-person check months later to ensure long-term success.
If you need complex implant care or want a second opinion, book a free consultation and CT scan. A short visit can confirm whether a practice has the credentials, technology, and plan you need from a trusted dentist.
