Who does implants?

There is no special dental implant certification.  Any number of providers, including oral surgeons, general dentists, prosthodontists and periodontists are able to place implants.

Understanding the different disciplines

After the completion of a general dentistry program, general dentists may attend trainings or seminars in order to learn how to perform dental implants.  A number of doctors who perform dental implant surgery have completed specialty training programs following dental school.  For example, oral surgeons specialize in oral surgery techniques.  Prosthodontists have received advanced training in the restoration of oral function through the creation of prostheses and restorations.  Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of gum disease.

Certainly, a doctor in any one of these disciplines might be perfectly skilled and experienced in dental implant placement; however, just as with any surgery, it is very important to select someone who is highly experienced in the procedure.  A doctor who has placed many implants will have had more time to perfect his or her technique and will be more adept at handling the situation in the unlikely event that complications occur.

Implant placement or just restorations?

Also, you may wish to clarify whether a specific doctor does both the surgical portion of the procedure as well as the restoration, as some doctors who say they do dental implants only do the latter.  A doctor who only does restorations (fabricating the replacement teeth and fitting them to the implants) will need to refer you to another provider for the initial implant placement procedure.

Back to how to choose a dental implant surgeon.

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