Who Should Perform Your Dental Implant Procedure?

If you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants are a good option but it involves surgery and can be invasive. It's crucial to choose the right dental professional for this procedure. There are three main types of professionals who can provide dental implant placement: general or cosmetic dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists. Understanding the meanings of these titles can assist those seeking dental implant placement in choosing the most suitable professional for the surgery. While all professionals have a high success rate, certain situations may make one more preferable than the other.

General Dentist

When it comes to deciding whether a dental implant placement is necessary, general dentists are typically the ones to make that determination. Recently, general dentists have been increasingly recommending dental implant placement instead of other alternatives like partial or complete dentures. The main focus of cosmetic dentists is to enhance the appearance of a person's smile. As a result, they often suggest dental implant placement as a more natural-looking alternative to other options for replacing missing teeth. While most dentists might be able to perform a dental implant placement, they may not be as experienced as oral surgeons or periodontists in this field. Thus, it is possible for a dentist to complete the procedure without involving a third party, but the level of expertise may vary.

Oral Surgeon

If you're considering getting dental implants and want to ensure the safest option, it's recommended to choose an oral surgeon. As specialists in oral surgery, they are highly skilled and experienced in performing this procedure. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're in good hands and receiving the best possible care. In case a bone grafting procedure is required before the implants can be fused into the jawbone, it's highly probable that an oral surgeon will be needed. This is because they are more experienced and specialized in conducting bone grafting operations compared to dentists and periodontists.

It's not always necessary to visit an oral surgeon for dental implant placement since the procedure is usually straightforward. Most dentists can also perform minimal oral surgery. To make an informed decision about whether you need an oral surgeon, it's best to consult with a dentist and explore all available options.

Periodontist

When placing a dental implant, the procedure involves going into the gums and fusing the implant into the jawbone. Generally, periodontists, who specialize in the supporting structures of teeth, are highly skilled in performing dental implant placement without any complications as well.

Conclusion

If you need a dental implant placed in the front of your mouth, a general dentist can typically handle the procedure without any issues or added risks. However, to ensure that the implant is implanted properly, it is recommended to visit an Oral Surgeon.

Are you considering dental implant placement in Naples, Fort Myers, or Cape Coral? Call us at The Florida Dental Implant Institute today to schedule a free consultation.