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Who Provides Dental Implants?
Dental implant placement is not a dental specialty by itself. Many times it takes several dentists, working in different specialties, to provide the full treatment. From an oral surgeon to a prosthodontist to a periodontist, and even a general dentist, all of these specialists may aid in the placement or restoration of the dental implant. It also varies if you need a single replacement or a more extensive restoration.
One specialist may perform the surgery to actually place the dental implant, while another places the crown on top of the implant to complete the restoration (usually called “restorative implants”).
Typically, the implant surgery is performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist, and the restorative crown is placed by a general dentist or prosthodontist. It’s important that all the specialists work together as a team for your dental implant treatment.
Why an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. Oral surgeons receive an extra four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, after dental school. They prepare themselves to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of the hard tissue (bones) and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck.
Why a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist with training in the diagnosing and treatment of the gum tissue and surrounding jawbone tissue. This specialist has an additional two years of extensive training after dental school. A periodontist devotes their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gum tissue.
Why a Prosthodontist?
The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They are specially trained to provide expertise in restorative treatment and they deliver smiles with high level function, maximum comfort and pristine esthetics. They are also known as “cosmetic dentists” and often focus on the esthetic aspect of a smile to improve the appearance of your teeth with bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, orthodontics, and implants.
Why a General Dentist?
Your general dentist knows your dental history and specific needs. Most often, the general dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants during your visits to their office. They may then either proceed with surgery at their office, or they may refer you to a specialist and then later provide the crown restoration that accompanies your implant.
Things to Look For
In deciding whether to use your general dentist for all the treatment or using the ‘team’ of dental practitioners, the most important consideration is the qualification of each doctor involved and their ability to work well in a team to provide you with the best care possible.
The following are some useful questions to ask the dentist who will be placing your dental implants.
Key Questions to Ask
How much training have you had in this procedure?
How many implant patients have you treated successfully?
How long have you been working with dental implants?
Where did you receive your training for dental implant placement and restorative care?
Do you offer a book of testimonials or references from previous patients?
Once you have your answers you’ll be able to make an educated decision on which route would be best for your implant treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that come to mind: it’s your mouth and you have to live with it for the rest of your life. Get the most out of it, enjoy your smile and be proud of your dental treatment.
Summary
Dental implant placement is not a dental specialty. Many times it takes several dental practitioners working together to provide the full treatment.
It’s important to look for a qualified dentist/specialist to perform the procedure. Once you are comfortable with your choice, you are on your way to a brighter, healthier, more confident smile.
11 Responses to “Dentists Involved in Dental Implant Treatment”
Salote
I had implant surgery. The implant was inserted at the same time that a partial bone graft was done. 3.5 months later, the oral surgeon opened it up to attach the abuttment. He said that the bone had not osseointegrated and that the implant was a failure. What could have gone wrong?
Marge
How can I get more prints of your Health Letter that
includes all this wonderful information to pass out to
my referrals?
Dr. Craig Cayo
How can I order copies of your Newsletter to give to my
referrals?
Dr. Craig Cayo
My Mother went to a general dentist in Reno, NV to have a bridge re-done. The dentist recommended implants and also the removal of some healthy teeth stating that it would look more uniform to do them all in implants. He used Ankylos implants and some of them immediately failed. He refused to re-imburse her for the ones that failed, as she paid for the total treatment plan up front ($27,000). She began having problems immediately. She would call his office, and he refused to return her calls. Her teeth, after paying $27,000 to this general dentist, look like teeth you would buy in a holloween store. Also, not many dental professionals in Nevada use Ankylos, so she is having trouble finding somebody to fix them. She is walking around looking like a freak. I would advise that anyone considering implants, or if your general dentist suggests placing them, to get another opinion from a prosthodontist and a periodontist. We are currently living a nightmare.
Lisa Hanifan
This is an invitation to a once-a-month online study. The survey study I am currently recruiting for examines the trends in the various dental implants used in procedures. Below you will find the details of the study.
Details of Dental Implant Study:
1. Purpose: To follow dental implant trends, as it relates to different manufacturer preference (Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, Straumann, etc.)
2. Time Commitment: ~10 minutes each month
3. Compensation: $50 each month
4. Details: Each month, survey participants will receive an email link containing a few brief questions on the implant trends of the various manufacturers.
5. Confidentiality: The data you provide each month will not be associated with your name, your site’s name, or the city where you report from
6. Data Sharing: Feedback in the form of a data newsletter will be emailed to you three times a year. The newsletter will illustrate national trends in dental implants of the various manufacturers and is intended to enhance ones overall understanding of the dental implant market.
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Please contact Margot Kern at (212) 375-2989 or email at [email protected] if you are interested in participating and would like more information.
About Clinical Advisors.Since 2001, Clinical Advisors has provided market research to leading investment firms and companies. With several offices across the United States, we conduct hundreds of surveys each year and host more than 500 meetings and conferences with opinion leaders in the healthcare industry. http://www.clinicaladvisors.com
MargotKern
How long do implants typically last? Do any insurance companies co pay for implants?
Karen King
I am an older woman in Reno, Nevada. I was missing a front tooth from birth, and also had an overbite and the roof of my mouth was very narrow. The bottom and the top did not “bite” together. I had a Dr. in Az who was going to do both top and bottom, changed my mind, went to a “max” in Reno, he only did bottom. Interestly, he wanted to put a implant in my chin, and also pull my chin back. I decided to do only the implant which included trying to corrected my lower bite, and only just before surgery did I find out by the anasethologist did I find out that one procedure nullified the other procedure. $$$. The orthodontist who put my braces on, which I had for 3 years was supposed to make a space wide enough for an implant in the spot where I had been missing the tooth. Well, he didn’t make the space large enough. Now I’m relegated to a glued in fake tooth. I am very furious. Is there anyone who can do smaller implants? THANKS
Maryanne Powell
I see a lot of comments on this general site but no responses. Are there replies, where are they and who provides them, if any?
Arthur Merlin
do you have the names of any good dentist in Albuquerque New
New Mexico that have the experience doing the implants,
I will need all my teeth done and don’t know where to
start
stella
fiji dental implant contact either dr. anand at Gordon street dental or dr. vikash makanji. i think dr. angco in nadi also does implants…
ajay
i’ve had bad teeth since childhood. today i’m only 23 yrs and have lost six molars from tooth decay. the remaining molars are also decayed. my diet is greatly affected as i’m not able to chew my food properly. in fiji where i live, there are no dental implants specislists, just general dentists. is there any hope for me?