Dental implants are fast becoming the treatment of choice for patients looking to replace their missing teeth.
Given the length of the treatment and the considerable costs involved in dental implant therapy, it is but natural that the patient would want a dentist who is experienced and qualified enough to provide the best possible treatment — the treatment that will get them as close as possible to having real and healthy teeth.
Who should you go to if you are looking to get dental implants?
Can all dentists place dental implants?
Technically speaking, all kinds of dentists can be trained to place dental implants. Dental implants involve many aspects of dentistry bundled into a single treatment modality. The process of getting dental implants is primarily divided into two broad phases.
- The first stage of getting implants is the surgical phase, which deals with the placement of the implant. Periodontists and oral surgeons are the best trained to deal with this phase of dental implant treatment.
- The second phase is known as the prosthetic phase, which deals with the attachment of a prosthetic crown or bridge over the implant. A prosthodontist or a restorative dentist is probably the best equipped to deal with the challenges of this next phase of dental implant treatment.
If there is any discrepancy during any of the two phases, it might result in a less than ideal restoration, which can further lead to sub-par function and aesthetics. In some cases, it can lead to failures, too, in which case the implant has to be removed.
Who can perform dental implants?
Oral surgeons
Oral surgeons are the best-qualified for the surgical aspect of implant treatment. Oral surgeons have a sound knowledge of the various anatomic landmarks in your jaw bone. Hence, they have the most expertise in the matter of surgical placement of the implants. If there are any complications like excessive bleeding, a surgeon is also best equipped to handle them.
In cases where the available bone in a patient’s jaw is insufficient to place an ideal-sized implant, certain additional procedures like sinus lift, ridge splitting, or bone grafting might be needed before or along with the implant surgery. Such procedures have an extremely high rate of success in the hands of a qualified oral surgeon, but are tricky to perform for other dentists.
Periodontists
Periodontists are dental surgeons who have received additional training in the field of gums and the supporting structures. They routinely perform gum surgeries and bone grafting procedures. As oral surgeons, they are generally better equipped to place dental implants. They can handle complicated implant procedures better than general dentists. Post-implant treatment care and dealing with failing implants also falls in a periodontist’s field of work.
Prosthodontists
These dental surgeons specialize in the field of restoring missing teeth. Prosthodontists are skilled in restoring function while replacing the missing tooth and can achieve a perfect balance between function and aesthetics.
In some cases where there has been some discrepancy in placing the implant during the surgery, or if the angulation of the screw isn’t proper, a prosthodontist can help fabricate a prosthesis that can mask these discrepancies without having to remove the implant.
If the occlusal load isn’t distributed evenly in a prosthesis, it can ultimately lead to the failure of the entire procedure.
Hence, the prosthetic part of the implant procedure is as important, if not more, as the surgical phase.
General dentists
General dentists are generally (no pun intended!) the first ones you'll consult if you want to replace the missing teeth with implants.
These dentists generally handle basic dentistry like fillings, simple extractions, root canals, crowns, and bridges. They are not accustomed to advanced surgical procedures unless specifically trained in them. Usually, with the assistance of an oral surgeon, they can provide basic implant procedures.
Cosmetic dentists
Cosmetic dentists are more into the aesthetic aspect of the teeth — think "smile designing". They are most recommended for implants that will end up in the front regions of upper and lower jaws, due to the high visibility of these areas. Some cosmetic dentists do place dental implants themselves, but the majority of them work with an oral surgeon to provide the best aesthetic restorations.
So many different kinds of dentists! Who should choose?
The first step towards successful implant surgery is proper planning before the actual procedure. Numerous tools are available these days to aid in this process. Radiological examination and a 3-dimensional CBCT scan are musts prior to conducting any procedure. Proper planning can help in anticipating any additional surgeries that might be required prior to, or during the implant surgery.
As a patient, speak to a trusted dentist, whatever their specialization, so that you can get the best guidance.
Conclusion
Implant placement and prosthesis fabrication are dynamic procedures. Dental implants require meticulous planning to ensure that the operator is aware of the situations that might arise during the procedure.
However, there are always times when a surprise or two might come up during the dental implant surgery. The operator — the dental professional you choose — should be experienced enough to handle the situation. They should have the required armamentarium and materials at their disposal during the surgery.
In certain cases, rather than a single surgeon, dentists of various specialties come together to provide the best results for the patient. You may wish to shop around for the right dental clinic, rather than simply asking your general dentist.