Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, providing a stable foundation that mimics a natural tooth root. This replacement root is a small, titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. The procedure is complex and typically involves a coordinated effort between several highly trained dental professionals. The process requires both a surgical phase to place the root and a restorative phase to attach the new tooth.
The Surgical Specialists Who Place Implants
The initial phase of treatment involves precisely embedding the titanium post, requiring advanced surgical skills and an in-depth understanding of oral anatomy. This process is generally handled by one of two types of specialists who have completed significant post-dental school training. The success of the implant depends on osseointegration, a biological process where the jawbone tissue fuses directly with the titanium surface.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) are dental specialists who undergo an additional four to six years of specialized training, often including a hospital-based residency. Their expertise lies in surgical procedures involving the entire facial region, including the jawbone and surrounding structures. They are particularly suited for complex cases that may require preliminary procedures like a sinus lift or extensive bone grafting before the implant can be placed.
Periodontists
Periodontists are specialists focused on the health of the gums and the supporting bone structure around the teeth. Their additional three years of post-doctoral training includes in-depth surgical techniques concerning the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Since a healthy gum and bone environment is crucial for implant longevity, periodontists ensure the biological foundation is stable, often performing the placement in less complicated cases.
The Restorative Providers Who Complete the Tooth
Once the surgical site has healed and the implant has successfully integrated with the bone, a different professional designs and attaches the final replacement tooth. This restorative phase requires a high degree of technical and aesthetic skill to ensure the finished crown or bridge looks and functions naturally. The restorative provider coordinates the fabrication of the prosthetic piece that attaches to the implant via an abutment.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus entirely on the aesthetic and functional restoration and replacement of teeth, often completing three additional years of focused training. They handle complex cases, such as full-mouth reconstructions or those involving multiple implants, where bite alignment and overall facial aesthetics must be precisely planned. Their training positions them to design the final prosthetic, ensuring the implant was placed optimally for the desired outcome.
General Dentists
General Dentists also play a significant role in the restorative phase, especially for single-tooth replacements. Many general practitioners pursue post-graduate continuing education to gain the skills necessary to restore implants. After the specialist places the implant, the general dentist takes impressions and oversees the placement of the final crown or bridge that completes the visible part of the tooth.
Navigating the Treatment Process
The successful journey to a dental implant relies on a collaborative “team approach” involving a surgical specialist and a restorative provider. The process typically begins with the general dentist, who performs the initial assessment and refers the patient to the appropriate specialist for surgical placement. This ensures that each phase of treatment is performed by a professional with the highest level of training for that specific step.
Patients should inquire about the credentials and experience level of both the surgical and restorative providers before beginning treatment. Ask about the number of implant procedures they perform annually and the collaboration model they use. Seamless coordination between the surgeon and the restorative dentist is paramount, as the titanium post must be perfectly angled and positioned to support the final prosthetic design.
If a general dentist is performing the restoration, ask about their advanced training in implant prosthetics to ensure they can manage the nuances of the final restoration. Choosing a provider who is part of a coordinated team, whether in two separate offices or a multidisciplinary practice, provides a personalized treatment plan for the best long-term outcome. The patient remains a central part of this team, committing to the recommended treatment plan and long-term maintenance.