Dental implants have become a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your oral health.
But with numerous specialties within dentistry, it can be confusing to determine which type of dentist you should see for implant treatment. This comprehensive guide will help you understand who does dental implants procedures and what to expect throughout the process.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. This post provides a strong foundation for a replacement tooth, known as a crown. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
Dentists who do implants must possess specialized skills and training to ensure successful implant placement and restoration.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Appearance: Implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants do not require the reduction of neighboring teeth.
- Enhanced Comfort: Implants eliminate the discomfort associated with removable dentures.
- Bone Preservation: Implants help maintain jawbone density, preventing bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
What Kind of Dentist Does Implants?
Several dental professionals are qualified to place dental implants. Each brings unique expertise to the procedure, and the right choice for you may depend on your specific dental needs. Dentist for implants may include the following:
General Dentists
General dentists are often the first point of contact for dental implant candidates. They perform a range of dental procedures and can assess whether you’re a good candidate for implants. Some general dentists have advanced training in implant dentistry and can place implants themselves. If they don’t offer implant services, they usually refer patients to specialists.
Advantages:
- Familiarity with your dental history.
- Convenient if they offer implant services.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth. They receive additional training in complex dental procedures, including implants. Prosthodontists are experts in creating and fitting dental prosthetics, ensuring that your implant and crown look natural and function correctly.
Advantages:
- Expertise in prosthetic design and placement.
- Best for cases requiring complex restorations.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive surgical training and are qualified to perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including dental implants. They are often involved in cases where additional surgical interventions, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts, are necessary to support the implant.
Advantages:
- Extensive surgical experience.
- Best for complex or multi-step procedures.
Periodontists
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Their expertise in the gums and bone makes them well-suited for placing dental implants, especially in patients with periodontal issues.
Advantages:
- Expertise in gum health and bone preservation.
- Ideal for patients with periodontal concerns.
These are dentist that does implants, and you may come across other dental professionals offering implant services. When choosing a provider, consider their qualifications, experience, and success rate in performing implant procedures.
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
Understanding the typical steps involved in getting a dental implant can help you prepare for the procedure and set realistic expectations.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with the dentist of your choice. During this visit, the dentist will:
- Review your medical and dental history.
- Conduct a thorough oral examination.
- Take x-rays or 3D scans to assess bone density and structure.
- Discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Planning
A detailed treatment plan is essential for successful implant placement. Your dentist will:
- Determine if any preliminary treatments (e.g., bone grafting) are needed.
- Plan the precise placement of the implant using imaging technology.
- Schedule the surgical appointment.
Surgical Procedure
The surgical procedure for placing a dental implant typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort.
- Incision: An incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone.
- Drilling: A small hole is drilled into the bone to place the implant.
- Implant Placement: The titanium post is inserted into the hole.
- Healing Cap: A healing cap is placed on the implant to protect it during the healing process.
- Suturing: The incision is closed with sutures.
Healing and Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months is required for osseointegration (the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone). During this time, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, a minor surgery is performed to attach an abutment (a connector piece) to the implant. The abutment serves as the foundation for the crown.
Crown Placement
Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, providing a seamless and functional replacement.
Conclusion
Dentist does implants in order to provide a long-term solution for tooth loss. They offer a range of benefits and can be performed by various types of dental professionals, depending on your individual needs.
Dental implants are a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering numerous benefits for oral health and quality of life. Understanding the what types of dentists who perform implants and the process involved can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
Whether you opt for a general dentist, prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or periodontist, choosing a qualified and experienced professional is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with a trusted dental provider to explore your options and begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.
