Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth, offering a fixed and permanent replacement that functions much like a natural tooth. The procedure involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which supports an artificial crown, bridge, or denture. Because the treatment requires both surgical skill to place the fixture and restorative skill to design the visible tooth, it often involves a collaborative effort among different types of dental professionals.
Dental Professionals Who Place Implants
The surgical placement of the implant fixture, which serves as the artificial tooth root, is typically performed by specialists with advanced surgical training. These experts are responsible for ensuring the titanium post is securely anchored in the jawbone for a process called osseointegration. Two distinct specialties primarily handle this surgical phase of implantology.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) possess the most extensive surgical training in dentistry, completing a four-to-six-year hospital-based residency program. Their expertise extends to the entire facial region, making them highly qualified for complex procedures like extractions, corrective jaw surgery, and the placement of dental implants. The OMS often manages cases that require significant bone modification, such as large-scale bone grafting procedures necessary before the implant can be placed.
Periodontists are the other specialists who frequently place implants, focusing on the health of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. Their additional three years of training after dental school emphasizes the management of soft tissue and bone health, which is directly relevant to long-term implant success. Periodontists are particularly skilled at managing cases involving pre-existing gum disease and performing procedures like sinus lifts to regenerate bone volume.
Professionals Who Design the Restoration
Once the surgical fixture is stable within the jaw, a different set of professionals takes responsibility for the final restoration. This is the part of the implant that looks and functions like a tooth. This phase focuses on the abutment—the connector piece—and the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. The goal is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result that aligns correctly with the patient’s bite.
Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of teeth, undergoing three additional years of post-doctoral training focused on complex restorative procedures. They are often involved in designing the final prosthesis, particularly in challenging situations like full-mouth reconstruction or when multiple implants are needed to support a fixed bridge. Their expertise ensures the final tooth replacement integrates seamlessly with the patient’s existing dentition and facial aesthetics.
General Dentists are also trained and experienced in the restorative phase of implant treatment, especially for single-tooth replacements in straightforward cases. While they may not perform the surgery, they handle the impressions, fitting of the abutment, and final placement of the crown. General dentists often act as the primary coordinator of the overall treatment plan.
Navigating the Treatment Sequence
The path to a fully restored dental implant is a sequence of distinct phases that requires coordination among the involved dental professionals. The process begins with comprehensive treatment planning, which often involves the restorative dentist or prosthodontist. They use 3D imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to precisely map the ideal position for the implant. This planning stage is important for ensuring the final restoration is both functional and aesthetic.
Following the planning, the surgical phase is initiated, where the Oral Surgeon or Periodontist places the titanium fixture into the pre-determined location in the jawbone. This procedure is followed by a healing period, known as osseointegration, where the jawbone physically fuses with the titanium surface. This integration typically takes between three to six months and establishes the stable foundation required for the final restoration.
After the implant has securely integrated, the restorative professional takes over to attach the abutment and the final prosthesis. Impressions of the healed site are taken to fabricate the custom crown or bridge, which is then fitted and adjusted to ensure a proper bite and natural appearance. This collaborative model ensures that the surgical placement is optimized for the final prosthetic outcome.
When Advanced Specialists Are Required
While many general dentists can restore implants, and some can place them, specific patient conditions or treatment complexities necessitate the involvement of advanced surgical specialists. Situations where there has been significant bone loss, known as atrophy, often require preparatory procedures before the implant can be placed successfully. For instance, a sinus lift procedure may be necessary when placing implants in the upper back jaw where the sinus cavity is too close to the bone.
Extensive bone grafting is another procedure that frequently requires a specialist’s expertise, particularly when large volumes of bone need to be regenerated to provide sufficient support for the fixture. Furthermore, complex full-arch rehabilitation cases, such as the “All-on-4” concept, involve precise, multi-implant placement and are typically managed by Oral Surgeons or experienced Periodontists. These specialists possess the training to manage the surgical risks associated with these more involved treatments.