- Oral surgeons are particularly specialized in implant surgery. They have extensive knowledge of the jawbone, nerves, arteries, and veins.
- Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease, but can also place dental implants. Prosthodontists specialize in restoring missing teeth, which includes placing dental implants.
- Some general dentists can also place dental implants, but need the help of other specialists for more complicated cases.
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"The question of 'What type of dentist does implants?' is one of the best questions a patient can ask, because the answer is truly, 'It depends.' I often tell patients that placing an implant is a team sport with two distinct phases: the surgical phase (putting the titanium screw into the bone) and the restorative phase (attaching the crown and making it look and feel right)," Harry Lee, DMD, explains.
Oral surgeon
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Oral surgeons were some of the first to place dental implants. You may be familiar with these specialists, as many people are referred to them to have impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) extracted.
Oral surgeons have practices well-equipped to perform dental surgeries. They also have extensive knowledge about the jawbone, nerves, arteries, and veins - all of which must be taken into consideration when placing an implant.
If an oral surgeon performs your implant surgery, they will refer you back to your general dentist to fabricate the implant crown.
Periodontist
A periodontist is a dental provider who specializes in the treatment of gum diseases. They can perform procedures needed to treat advanced stages of periodontal disease, which is a disease of the gum tissue that destroys the bone surrounding the teeth.
They can also place dental implants. A general dentist - even one who places implants themselves - might refer to a periodontist in cases where the gum disease must be treated first, or when the tissue’s appearance may compromise the final result of the implant.
For example, an anterior implant that replaces a front tooth will be visible if the surrounding gums are not healthy. However, a periodontist can place the implant and help the area heal in a way that is not noticeable.
Prosthodontist
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Prosthodontists specialize in restoring missing teeth. They can place crowns, bridges, partial dentures, complete dentures, and, of course, dental implants. Like oral surgeons and periodontists, prosthodontists have advanced training in their specialty.
Prosthodontists also specialize in the shape of your facial and jaw bones. They can also treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and sleep apnea. Your general dentist might refer you to a prosthodontist if you currently have TMJ issues and need a dental implant.
General dentist
Dental implants are becoming a more common procedure performed by general and cosmetic dentists. General dentists do not have advanced training like other dental specialties. However, they must complete dental implant courses and place implants under the supervision of experts before they are allowed to do so in private practice.
Many general dentists still refer to other specialists when they know a specific case may need more expert care.
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FAQ
Who is best qualified to do dental implants?
As long as your dental provider has all of the certifications and training required to place a dental implant, they are qualified to perform the procedure. However, you may request a referral to a specialist even if your general dentist places implants.
What type of dentist should you visit first when considering dental implants?
Most patients consult their general dentist when they first consider a dental implant. This is because a general dentist can assess your bone and tissue and then recommend the specialist best suited to your case.
Harry Lee, DMD
For the surgical phase, the three leading players are the Oral Surgeon, the Periodontist, and the General Dentist with specialized training. In my practice, I prefer to collaborate. I refer the complex cases—the difficult bone grafts, the extractions, or those close to major nerves or sinuses—to the Oral Surgeon. The Periodontist is my go-to specialist when the gum tissue is compromised or needs cosmetic enhancement, as they are masters of gum health and structure.