A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a natural tooth root. This fixture provides a stable anchor for an artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Many people search for a single practitioner called an “Implant Dentist,” but this is not a formal specialty recognized by governing bodies like the American Dental Association. The complex nature of the procedure means that dental implants are often managed by a highly trained team of professionals, each specializing in a distinct phase of the treatment process.
General Dentists and Implant Training
A general dentist (DDS or DMD) may perform both the surgical placement and the final restoration of dental implants. While their foundational dental school training provides a broad base of knowledge, it does not typically include the in-depth surgical techniques required for implant placement. To gain proficiency in implantology, general practitioners pursue post-graduate training through continuing education.
These programs range from brief weekend courses to extensive, multi-year residency-style programs focusing on implant theory and hands-on surgical practice. The training equips them with the skills to assess bone density, plan the implant location, and perform the necessary surgical steps. However, this additional training does not confer an official dental specialty status recognized by the ADA, which is reserved for dentists completing formal, accredited residency programs.
The Surgical Specialists Who Place Implants
The initial phase of implant therapy, surgically placing the titanium post into the jawbone, is handled by two types of formally recognized surgical specialists. These professionals complete three to six years of rigorous post-doctoral residency training focused on complex surgical procedures and the anatomy of the oral and facial structures. This extensive background allows them to manage complex cases, including those requiring preparatory procedures like bone grafting.
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a primary surgical specialist. Their four to six years of hospital-based residency provides a comprehensive surgical background encompassing the entire face, jaw, and neck, including training in anesthesia, facial trauma, and reconstructive surgery. This broad expertise enables them to handle complicated implant placements, especially in patients with significant bone loss or other anatomical challenges.
The second surgical specialist is the Periodontist, whose three years of specialized training focuses on the supporting structures of the teeth—the gums, periodontal ligaments, and the jawbone. Their deep understanding of soft tissue and bone health makes them experts in preparing the implant site and managing the surrounding gum tissue. They are skilled in procedures like bone and soft tissue grafting, often necessary to create a stable foundation for the implant post.
The Restorative Specialist Who Completes the Implant
Once the titanium post has fused with the jawbone (osseointegration), the focus shifts to the restorative phase, which involves attaching the visible replacement tooth. The specialist most focused on this stage is the Prosthodontist. They complete an additional three years of post-dental school residency dedicated to the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and jaw structures.
Their expertise lies in the biomechanics, function, and aesthetics of the final prosthetic. The Prosthodontist designs, fabricates, and fits the crown, bridge, or denture that connects to the implant post via an abutment. In complex cases, a team approach is common: the surgical specialist places the post, and the Prosthodontist manages the final restoration to ensure optimal fit, bite alignment, and natural appearance.