Are you thinking about getting a dental implant treatment performed to replace a broken or missing tooth? A damaged tooth can be detrimental to everyday life—it can affect your speech, jawbone, and even cause bone loss if left untreated.
By having a dental implant placed with a simple surgery, you may be able to solve these problems with a long-lasting solution for damaged teeth. They can last for years with proper care and regular dentist check ups. But can every regular dentist perform this dental implant surgery?
The short answer is: it varies. While many dentists are qualified to perform implant surgery, this does not mean that every dentist can. Dental implant surgery involves replacing the root of a damaged tooth with metal and fusing it to the jawbone. Sometimes a dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist if they feel the work requires a more specific touch.
For more information about dental implants, speak with our team.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants act as an artificial replacement for a broken or damaged tooth and have three primary parts.
The implant body—this is the part that is fused to your jawbone in place of your tooth’s root. This holds the implant in place.
The abutment—this is the piece that screws directly into the implant body, holding the crown above in place and ensuring it doesn’t move.
The crown—this is the artificial tooth or denture itself. This replaces your tooth as a whole, allowing you to chew and speak normally.
Before committing to dental implants, it’s important to consult with your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate for the surgery. They will check your oral health, medical history, and other factors that could affect the procedure, such as whether you smoke. All of these things can determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Can Every Dentist Do Dental Implants?
There are many dentists who can perform dental implant placement surgery, but that does not mean every dentist can. While the surgery itself is simple, there are many factors that can affect the procedure.
By arranging an appointment with your dentist and booking a proper consultation, you can find out whether or not you are an eligible candidate for the surgery. At Dental Haus, we will perform an assessment, and if necessary, we can refer you to a specialist.
Your oral health is important to us, and we provide thorough and personalized care for every step of the surgery.
Who Can Put In Dental Implants?
There are several different types of doctors that are qualified to perform dental implant surgery.
Dentists
Many general dentists are qualified to perform the surgery. Ask your dentist whether the surgery could be performed in-house during your assessment.
Oral Surgeons
An oral surgeon is qualified for many extra steps that may be involved in preparing you for dental implant surgery. While they are not always necessary for a simple dental implant surgery, they are qualified for additional steps, such as bone grafting or sinus lifting. Due to being a specialist in this part of the body, they can perform more complex procedures.
Periodontists
A periodontist is a doctor who specializes in the supporting structure of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist if they believe there could be a complication with the surgery regarding your gums or jaw.
Prosthodontists
A prosthodontist specializes in repairing broken or missing teeth. They go through several additional years of training after dental school, focusing on dental prosthetics such as implants and dentures. They are specially trained in aesthetic restoration to make your teeth look as natural as possible.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a long-lasting way to support your long-term oral health. The trustworthy professionals who can perform this procedure can help you prepare and recover from the surgery with your health and comfort in mind.
At the end of the day, the decision to get dental implants placed will be decided between you and your dentist. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine if dental implants are a good option for you.
Contact us at Dental Haus if you’re interested in exploring your options for dental implants for a broken or missing tooth.