Can A Dentist Perform My Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that replace lost ones. Implant placement is a surgical procedure that is considered to be fairly intrusive, and only certain dentists are qualified to conduct it. Patients who are thinking about getting implant surgery should be aware of the many types of dentists that perform the procedure. Dentists that specialize in general dentistry, oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics could all have the required qualifications.

In light of the many alternatives, who should do an implant? Setting up an appointment with one's usual dentist for an initial consultation is a sensible first step to take. Visit https://www.nuviasmiles.com/locations/dental-implants-salt-lake-city-utah for appointment information. They will assist patients examine all the various therapy alternatives so that they may pick the one that is appropriate for the patient’s particular requirements.

Why Is It Necessary for You to Have a Dental Implant?

Dental implants have been an increasingly common alternative for people with one or more lost teeth. Implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing teeth that have been lost. Unlike dentures or bridges, they appear and feel like natural teeth, making them a popular choice. Implants are also known to have a longer lifespan than the alternatives.

A grin that is missing a tooth is not just incomplete because it lacks that tooth. It may be difficult to eat and chat due to the little area. The other teeth have a tendency to shift out of position over time, which can result in an uneven bite. Pain in the jaw and maybe even bone loss might be the outcome. It is critical to replace any teeth that have been lost, either with a prosthetic that can be removed, such as dentures, or with a solution that is more permanent, such as an implant.

For a solitary crown, bridges, or dentures, dental implants can be used as a permanent foundation. The post, the abutment, and the bespoke crown are the typical components that make up this structure. The post serves as a replacement for the missing tooth's root. The crown is joined to the post by the abutment, which rests atop the crown and connects it to the post.

The Implant Procedure

Dental implants involve a relatively invasive surgical procedure. Titanium implants are inserted into jawbones after anesthesia has been given to the patient by a dentist or surgeon. After a recovery period of ten to twelve weeks, the gum will have healed, and the bone will have fused to the post. Finally, a bespoke crown is made to suit the abutment, which has healed and bonded with the gum tissue following surgery. This crown is attached to the abutment using screws. It restores the patient's tooth to its pre-treatment strength.

Patients may require a bone transplant procedure beforehand in order to be eligible for implant surgery. This is essential in the event that they lack a substantial amount of jawbone tissue or if the structure of their jaw is not strong enough to sustain the implant. The healing process will take somewhat longer due to the bone grafting procedure.

In most cases, getting dental implants requires a minimum of a few trips to the dentist, with at least some time off in between for the patient to recuperate. Patients often report feeling very little pain after dental procedures until the anesthetic wears off, at which point pain medications available without a prescription are typically prescribed by dentists.

What Kinds of Dentists Might Be Able to Perform an Implant Procedure

Because many various kinds of dental specialists are able to do implant surgery, it is essential to have some background knowledge on their credentials. This will be useful in comprehending the rationale behind the possible recommendation of a particular dentist.

Dentist

When a patient visits their usual dentist with a lost tooth, the dentist will discuss the various possibilities for replacing the tooth with the patient. It's likely they'll give their recommendation for the best dental implant specialist to you if they think it's an option for you. In most cases, this will need referring the patient to a specialist in order to receive treatment; nevertheless, there are occasions when the physician will carry out the process themselves. 

Patients can have the entirety of the implant treatment performed at the same site if they go to a larger dental clinic that employs more than one specialist in the field. Dentists who run smaller offices sometimes send their patients to other locations to see experts.

The vast majority of dentists are capable of doing the operation, and some even choose to do so. However, it's possible that some offices don't have the specialist equipment required to do the surgery there. Others may just decide to concentrate their efforts on general dentistry as their primary area of practice. The majority of dentists have a network of associates in the field to whom they may send patients who require expert care.

A Maxillofacial or Oral Surgeon

Oral surgeons and maxillofacial (Oral and maxillofacial surgery - Wikipedia) surgeons are often the go-to medical professionals for dental implant procedures. Before studying their specialization, all  maxillofacial surgeons get training as general dentists.

Oral surgeons are trained to undertake a wide variety of surgical operations, including the removal of wisdom teeth and the creation of root canals. In addition to that, they commonly fit patients for dental crowns and dentures.

Maxillofacial surgeons are also capable of performing these procedures. Nevertheless, because of their extensive training, they are qualified to carry out a wider variety of surgical treatments. In addition to providing treatment for TMJ, oral, facial, and neck cancer, they also specialize in reconstructive procedures for the face and jaw. Prior to implant surgery, maxillofacial surgeons are commonly directed to patients who require a bone graft.

Periodontists are concerned with the overall health of the gums. Even while many are capable of doing implant operations, this is not their primary area of expertise.

A dental implant might be provided by a periodontist or a gum surgeon, depending on the requirements of the patient. They could be the best option if, for instance, the patient's lost teeth were caused by periodontal disease, which is quite common. In addition, even if another person performs the surgery on the implant, a periodontist may still be required to assist in the healing process in the event that issues arise. It may be important to contact a periodontist, for instance, if the site of the implant is not healing adequately or if it develops an infection.

Prosthodontist

If a single tooth is being replaced with an implant, the procedure will conclude with the attachment of a crown made specifically for the implant. It is possible to attach a bridge, dentures, or partial or complete set of false teeth to a single dental implant.

Some patients choose to have the same dentist who performed their implant surgery also do this stage for them. Others go back to their primary dentist for the placement of the crown, which is the last step. A prosthodontist is still another option to consider. 

Dentists that specialize in prosthodontics are known as prosthodontists. Their primary focus is on the restoration of teeth that have been injured or lost. Dentists that specialize in prosthodontics may be the best choice for patients needing crowns, or they may discover that a prosthodontist can handle the entire operation.

Finding the Appropriate Specialist for Dental Implants

Oral implants are a common option for replacing teeth that have been lost, which is vital for the general dental health of the patient. Dental implant surgery is something that may be performed by general dentists in addition to a variety of dental experts. Talk to your dentist about the different possibilities and he or she will recommend you to a consultant who can help you.