The placement of dental implants is accomplished by a team of medical professionals. Typically, the surgery is performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist, and the restoration (tooth cap) is placed by your general dentist or prosthodontist. These dental specialists work together from start to finish on your dental implant consultation right up to your dental implant surgery.
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They have had extensive training with three additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
What is a Prosthodontist?
The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw. A prosthodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth. Some general dentists focus specifically on the esthetic aspect of a smile to improve the appearance of the teeth using bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, orthodontics, or implants.
What is an Implantologist?
An Implantologist is a general dentist who performs both the surgical and restoration phases of the dental implant placement procedure.
