What Type of Dentist Does Implants?

Dental implants are widely regarded as the best solution for replacing missing teeth. However, they often require moderately invasive surgery that not all dentists are qualified for. This is why you must take great care and review your options carefully when selecting a dentist to perform the procedure. The first step is recognizing which types of dentists are qualified to perform a dental implant.

General dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists can all perform dental implants. It is up to you to select one of these dentists after carefully evaluating their qualifications and experience level.

Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you with just that. The article below contains details about what each of these dentists specialize in and why they’re qualified to do the job.

What is a Dental Implant And Why Is it Needed?

Dental implants have become the go-to long-term solution for one or more missing teeth. While you can settle for temporary dentures or bridges as cheaper options, a dental implant offers a more permanent solution.

An implant usually consists of three parts, a titanium post, abutment, and custom crown. The post is inserted first, deep into your jawbone, to replace your missing tooth’s roots. Once the post is firmly in place and your gums have had time to heal, the abutment is screwed on top of the post. Thus creating a space that the custom crown, denture, or bridge can sit on top of.

Of course, some of you may wonder why you need to fill in one or two gaps in your teeth at all. Especially if it doesn’t stop you from chewing or eating. And while that may be true for now, in time, your jaw will start to weaken when your teeth start drifting out of alignment.

Intense pain and possible bone damage may follow, leaving you cursing yourself for not getting an implant earlier. Alternatively, if you opt for the implant immediately, not only will you be able to bite evenly and save yourself a ton of pain, but you’ll regain your lost smile and your confidence along with it.

Types of Dentists That Can Successfully Perform Implants

Now, while researching each dentist’s qualifications and experience level is your duty as a patient, it is ours to offer you a full list of your possible options. So, with that said, here are all the different types of dentists qualified to perform dental implants.

1. General Dentist

Usually, when you lose a tooth, a general dentist is the first person you visit to receive guidance regarding your situation. They’ll usually take a look at your case and discuss your possible options with you.

Most general dentists lean towards implants as a solution, and if you agree, they’ll refer you to another specialist for the surgery. However, in some cases, your regular dentist may want to perform the procedure themselves.

Of course, they are qualified to do so, but most opt not to because they don’t have access to specialized equipment.

Dentists in smaller clinics will almost always refer you to other specialist dental surgeons that they know of. Meanwhile, dentists in larger clinics may opt to carry out the implant themselves.

2. Periodontist

A periodontist’s primary job is to focus on their patient’s gums. That being said, they too are qualified to perform dental implants.

They sometimes have to be involved in the procedure if the reason you’re losing teeth is because of some form of gum disease.

Additionally, a periodontist may be called to intervene during the surgery to resolve complications that may have occurred during the healing process.

3. Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral surgeons are the preferred option for a dental implant procedure. They receive specialized training in several surgical procedures during their time in dental school. These include removing wisdom teeth and performing root canals. They’re also responsible for fitting patients with dentures and crowns.

Maxillofacial surgeons, on the other hand, go through slightly more advanced training during their time in medical school. This makes them capable of performing all kinds of facial surgeries, including surgery to treat neck cancer and facial and jaw reconstruction.

Usually, your dentist will refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon if you require a bone graft before the actual surgery.

Cost of Dental Implants in Porter Ranch, CA

4. Prosthodontist

The last step of implant surgery is getting a custom crown placed on top of the abutment that’s just been screwed into your gums. This is where a prosthodontist comes in, as they’re responsible for creating and placing the crown in place of the missing tooth.

Much of their job description revolves around repairing or replacing fractured, weak, or broken teeth with crowns, dentures, or bridges. Making them qualified to carry out the entire implant procedure by themselves if requested to do so.

Understanding The Implant Procedure

The table below briefly goes through the steps of a dental implant procedure so that you’re more aware of what you’re getting into.

Step	Description
1	Initial examination and assessment of dental condition
2	The chosen dentist refers you for a bone graft (optional)
3	Anaesthetic is administered
4	The surgeon inserts a titanium post into your jawbone and screws the abutment into the post
5	Your next appointment is scheduled for 10-12 days after the previous one. To give your gums time to heal and fuse to the post.
6	A custom crown is fitted on top of the abutment to replace your missing tooth.

The Type of Dentist You Choose Matters

Dental implants can be tricky procedures involving moderately invasive surgery that may include complications.

Therefore, you need a dentist with a decent amount of expertise in oral surgery, especially dental implants. And while it is your decision to make, we still feel obliged to nudge you in the right direction.

Dr. Alex Dolgov at Porter Ranch Dental Studio currently has a flawless record when it comes to performing successful dental implants. Each of his patients reports little to no discomfort during the recovery process as well, which is a huge win.

So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with Dr Alex’s team today for an initial consultation and receive personalized advice regarding your own implant procedure.