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WHAT KIND OF DENTIST DOES DENTAL IMPLANTS?
There are four different types of dentist that do dental implant.
A Prosthodontist is a dentist that is specially trained in the highly detailed area of placing teeth on top of dental implants. He has had at least two additional years of training and is highly skilled in dental implant restoration, crowns and bridges, dentures and other areas requiring a much higher level of skill to restore the mouth. Prosthodontists are often able to help a patient save teeth that often would otherwise be lost. Some Prosthodontists are also trained in the surgical preparation and placement of dental implants. These Surgical Prosthodontists 1 can often provide most if not all of the services required by their patients.
Oral Surgeons are specially trained in surgical preparation and placement of dental implants. They often deal with the more complicated surgical requirements of dental implant patients. They do not provide replacement teeth to go on top of the implants. This work is referred to either a prosthodontist or a general dentist.
Periodontists are specially trained in the surgical preparation and placement of dental implants. They also deal with problems that may later arise if the implants are not kept clean. They also provide treatment to teeth that are suffering from gum diseases. They are often very effective in preventing the loss of the teeth in the first place.
General dentists are sometimes trained in various aspects of implant dentistry. Their level of expertise may vary from no dental implant training or experience to advanced training from a number of implant centers thoughout the world. The general dentist provides for the regular dental needs of most patients. When the needs of the patient are more demanding, referrals are often made to a Prosthodontist, Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist. Their greatest concern is generally for the long term well being of their patients.
Do you have more questions? Send us an e-mail question and Dr. Brooksby of The Dental Implant Source will gladly respond.
The American College of Prosthodontists The International Congress of Oral Implantologists
1. The term Surgical Prosthodontist is a descriptive term and does not imply any other specialty training other than that of a prosthodontist.
