Replacing a missing tooth requires a complex, two-part procedure involving both surgical and restorative components. A dental implant functions as an artificial tooth root—typically a small titanium post—that is surgically placed into the jawbone to create a stable foundation. Unlike a simple filling or crown, this method engages the underlying bone structure. Due to this complexity, the procedure frequently involves a team of dental professionals, each contributing specialized expertise to ensure a successful outcome.
Specialists Who Place the Implant
The surgical phase of the procedure, which involves placing the titanium fixture into the jawbone, is typically performed by dental specialists with advanced surgical training. These practitioners focus on creating a secure, biologically stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Their education extends significantly beyond standard dental school, concentrating on the anatomy of the jaw, surrounding soft tissues, and complex surgical techniques.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) are experts in surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaws, and face, completing a residency that lasts four to six years after dental school. Their extensive training covers surgical care, including managing facial trauma and performing complex bone reconstructions. For implants, they are often sought for cases requiring preliminary procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts to ensure adequate bone volume.
An OMS has the highest level of training for managing surgical complications and placing implants in anatomically challenging areas, such as near major nerves or sinus cavities. They utilize advanced imaging, like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans, to create a detailed surgical map of the patient’s anatomy, determining the optimal depth, angle, and location for the implant fixture.
Periodontists
Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the health of the gums and the supporting bone structures surrounding the teeth. Their specialized training, which includes three years of post-dental school education, gives them an in-depth understanding of soft tissue management necessary for implant success. They are qualified to assess and treat conditions like gum disease, a leading cause of natural tooth and implant failure.
Periodontists routinely perform implant surgery, especially when the case involves managing or augmenting soft tissue and minor bone defects. They are skilled in preparatory procedures like gum reshaping and ensuring the soft tissue heals correctly around the implant site for health and aesthetic reasons.
Professionals Who Restore the Implant
Once the titanium fixture is surgically placed and has successfully fused with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration that can take several months—the second phase of treatment begins. This restorative phase involves attaching the visible portion of the tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, to the implant fixture. The professionals responsible for this stage are focused on the aesthetics, function, and long-term stability of the final prosthesis.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus exclusively on the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and jaw structures. They undergo an additional three years of advanced training focused on complex restorations, bite alignment, and aesthetics. In the implant process, they design the final tooth replacement, ensuring it looks natural and functions correctly within the patient’s bite.
Their role starts with initial planning, determining the ideal position of the final tooth—a concept known as “restoratively driven implant placement.” They design and fabricate the custom-made prosthetic, paying close attention to factors like tooth shape, color, and fit with opposing teeth. Their expertise is valuable for complicated cases, such as full-mouth reconstructions or those involving high aesthetic demands.
General Dentists
Many General Dentists (GPs) are trained to handle the restorative phase of dental implants, particularly in straightforward cases. The GP often oversees the patient’s overall dental health, referring the surgical component to a specialist. Once the implant is stable, the GP attaches the final crown or restoration designed to fit the implant.
The extent of a general dentist’s involvement varies based on their post-graduate training and experience. Some GPs perform both the surgical placement and the final restoration for simple cases. However, in a team approach, the general dentist typically manages the initial diagnosis, coordinates specialist referrals, and handles the long-term maintenance of the implant.
The Importance of a Coordinated Dental Implant Team
The most successful implant outcomes result from a highly coordinated approach where surgical and restorative doctors work together as a single team. This collaboration begins with comprehensive treatment planning, analyzing the patient’s goals and anatomy to create a seamless roadmap. Planning often involves advanced digital tools, such as merging a patient’s CBCT scan with an intraoral scan to virtually place the intended final restoration.
This initial planning phase is essential because the final restoration dictates the precise position and angulation of the implant fixture. The team uses digital staging to accurately assess jawbone quality, locate vital anatomical structures, and ensure surgical placement is driven by the aesthetic and functional requirements of the final tooth.
Understanding this team approach is helpful for patients, as complex cases benefit from the split expertise of a surgical specialist and a prosthodontist. The restorative doctor generally initiates the treatment plan and provides the specifications for the surgical team. This handoff ensures the final restoration fits perfectly, preventing long-term issues related to poor positioning or improper bite forces.