Yes, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) perform dental implant procedures. An OMS is a dental specialist who focuses on surgical treatments involving the mouth, jaw, and facial structures. Dental implantology is a core component of their training, making them experts in the surgical placement of the titanium fixture into the jawbone. This specialization ensures they are prepared to handle a wide range of cases, from single-tooth replacements to complex full-mouth reconstructions.
The Role of the Oral Surgeon in Implantology
The specialized training of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon distinguishes their role in implantology. After completing four years of dental school, an OMS undergoes an intensive hospital-based surgical residency that lasts an additional four to six years. This rigorous training provides them with a deep understanding of head and neck anatomy, pathology, and trauma management. Their residency includes rotations in general surgery, internal medicine, and anesthesiology, preparing them for complex surgical environments.
This comprehensive background means they are uniquely skilled in the full scope of surgical procedures related to the jaw and face. Their training in ambulatory anesthesia also allows them to offer patients in-office sedation options, including intravenous (IV) sedation and general anesthesia, which is often not available from other providers. The OMS is trained to manage potential surgical complications, which is a significant factor in high-risk implant cases. Their expertise is built on thousands of hours of surgical experience, focusing on the hard and soft tissues that support dental implants.
Implant Placement Procedures
An Oral Surgeon is involved in the process of implant placement, beginning with the initial site preparation. This may include complex extractions of damaged teeth, especially those requiring significant bone preservation techniques. The primary surgical procedure involves making a small incision to expose the jawbone before precisely drilling a space for the titanium implant fixture. The surgeon then inserts the implant, which must heal and fuse with the bone, a biological process known as osseointegration, typically taking three to six months.
The OMS is particularly valuable when the patient lacks sufficient jawbone density to anchor the implant. In these situations, the surgeon performs adjunctive procedures, such as bone grafting, to rebuild the necessary foundation. Common bone augmentation techniques include a sinus lift, which adds bone material to the upper jaw near the maxillary sinuses, or horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation to increase the width and height of the jawbone. They safely perform these bone management procedures before or during the implant placement. Once osseointegration is complete, the surgeon performs a second, minor surgery to attach an abutment, the connector post, which will hold the final prosthetic crown.
Comparing Implant Providers
While Oral Surgeons specialize in the surgical placement, other dental professionals may be involved in implant treatment. General dentists often manage the restorative phase, which involves designing and attaching the final crown or bridge to the implant abutment. Some general dentists also place implants after completing additional training, typically handling the most straightforward cases where existing bone is ample and no complex surgeries are needed.
Periodontists are another specialist who place implants, with their focus being on the health of the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth. They often excel in cases that require soft tissue management, such as gum grafting, to optimize the aesthetics around the implant. However, the Oral Surgeon’s unique hospital-based surgical training and expertise in maxillofacial trauma and reconstructive surgery often makes them the preferred provider for cases involving significant bone loss, full-arch reconstruction, or when deep sedation is necessary. A patient with a history of extensive tooth loss or prior failed implants is typically referred to an Oral Surgeon.