Top 10 Things You Should Know Before You Select an Implant Dentist

Choosing a dentist for your dental implant procedure ranks among the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make. Dental implants represent a significant investment in your oral health, appearance, and quality of life—and the expertise of your implant provider directly impacts whether that investment pays off with decades of comfortable function or leads to complications and disappointment.

Dr. Wayne Suway, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology with over 35 years of experience serving the Marietta and Atlanta communities, understands that patients often feel overwhelmed when researching implant dentists. This guide breaks down the essential factors to evaluate before making your decision.

1. Verify Specialized Training in Implant Dentistry

General dental school education provides limited exposure to implant placement. Dentists who excel in implantology have pursued extensive post-graduate training specifically focused on surgical techniques, bone biology, and prosthetic restoration.

Look for credentials demonstrating dedicated implant education. Designations like Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology or Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry require documented training, case submissions, and examinations verifying competency.

Dr. Suway completed a comprehensive one-year program in implant dentistry under the American Academy of Implant Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia. His status as both a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry reflects commitment to implant expertise far beyond standard dental education.

2. Ask About Years of Implant-Specific Experience

Training provides the foundation, but experience builds mastery. A dentist who has placed hundreds or thousands of implants has encountered the full spectrum of anatomical variations, complications, and challenging cases that develop clinical judgment impossible to learn from textbooks alone.

When evaluating an implant dentist, ask specifically about their implant experience—not just how long they’ve practiced dentistry generally. Some dentists place only a handful of implants annually while focusing primarily on other procedures. Others, like Dr. Suway, have made implant dentistry a cornerstone of their practice for over 25 years, developing the refined skills that come only from focused repetition.

3. Determine Whether They Can Handle Your Complete Case

Many patients don’t realize traditional implant treatment often involves multiple providers. A general dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon for placement, then to another specialist for bone grafting, handling only the crown placement themselves. This fragmented approach creates coordination challenges and communication gaps.

The ideal scenario involves finding a dentist qualified to manage your entire implant journey from consultation through final restoration. This continuity ensures consistent treatment philosophy and allows one doctor to take full responsibility for your outcome.

Dr. Suway offers patients precisely this advantage—he both places dental implants and performs final restorations, handling everything from surgical placement to the custom crown that completes your smile.

4. Investigate Their Technology and Imaging Capabilities

Modern implant dentistry relies heavily on advanced technology for precise planning. Three-dimensional imaging allows dentists to visualize bone density, nerve locations, and sinus proximity before making a single incision. Digital scanning eliminates messy impressions while improving accuracy.

Ask prospective implant dentists about their technology investments. Do they have in-office 3D imaging? Do they use digital scanners for impressions?

Dr. Suway’s practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology including the TRIOS Intraoral Scanner and 3D imaging systems, enabling precise and successful implant placement.

5. Understand Their Approach to Bone Grafting

Successful implants require adequate bone volume and density. Many patients—especially those missing teeth for extended periods—need bone grafting before implant placement becomes viable. This isn’t unusual; it’s part of creating the foundation for long-term success.

Your implant dentist should be comfortable evaluating bone quality and performing grafting procedures when necessary. Ask whether they handle bone grafting in-house or refer elsewhere.

6. Evaluate Their Range of Implant Solutions

Different clinical situations call for different approaches. A patient missing one tooth needs a single implant and crown. Someone missing several teeth might benefit from an implant-supported bridge. Patients missing all teeth have options ranging from implant-supported dentures to full-arch solutions like All-on-4.

The best implant dentists offer the full spectrum of solutions and recommend options based on your specific anatomy and goals rather than steering everyone toward one procedure.

Dr. Suway provides comprehensive implant solutions including single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, All-on-4 implant dentures, and repairs for failing existing implants.

7. Research Their Reputation and Patient Satisfaction

In an era of online reviews, researching patient experiences has never been easier. Look beyond star ratings to read actual comments about implant outcomes, communication style, and staff professionalism.

Pay attention to how long the practice has served the community. Dentists who have built multi-generational patient bases demonstrate the kind of consistent quality that builds lasting trust.

Dr. Suway has earned a 100% patient satisfaction rating and recognition as a Top Patient-Rated Atlanta Dentist. He has served some families across three generations, with patients describing his office as a place they actually look forward to visiting.

8. Assess Their Commitment to Continuing Education

Implant dentistry evolves constantly. The Academy of General Dentistry awards its prestigious Mastership designation only to dentists completing over 1,100 hours of continuing education and passing rigorous examinations—representing the top percentile of general dentists nationally.

Dr. Suway achieved his Master of the Academy of General Dentistry designation in 1999 and has accumulated over 1,000 hours of additional education. He holds a faculty position at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, reflecting his standing as an educator as well as practitioner.

9. Consider the Consultation Experience

How a dentist handles your initial consultation reveals much about how they’ll manage your care. Do they take time to understand your concerns? Do they explain findings clearly? Do they present options without pressuring you?

The consultation should feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable partner, not a sales pitch. Dr. Suway’s philosophy centers on partnership: “I strive to provide my patients with quality, personalized dentistry. Because your smile is as unique as you are, I believe in taking the time to find out exactly what you need and what you want to achieve.”

10. Evaluate the Complete Practice Environment

Your implant journey involves multiple appointments over several months. The practice environment—from office comfort to staff professionalism—significantly impacts your experience.

Dr. Suway’s office in the North X Northwest Office Park overlooks a beautiful lake, providing a scenic and relaxing setting that patients consistently mention in reviews. The compassionate dental team creates an atmosphere where patients feel genuinely cared for.

Making Your Decision

Selecting an implant dentist deserves careful consideration. You’re looking for verified expertise, genuine experience, appropriate technology, and patient-centered care. When these elements align, dental implants truly become the “modern miracle” many patients describe—a permanent solution that restores function, appearance, and confidence for decades.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation With Dr. Wayne Suway

Dr. Wayne Suway brings over 35 years of experience, advanced credentials in implant dentistry, and a commitment to personalized care that has earned him recognition as one of Atlanta’s top-rated dentists. As a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, he offers the expertise and comprehensive services that make implant treatment convenient and successful.

Whether you’re exploring implants for the first time or seeking a second opinion, Dr. Suway welcomes the opportunity to discuss your options.

Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD 1820 The Exchange SE, Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30339 (770) 953-1752

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Serving patients from Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, and throughout the greater Atlanta area.