A dental implant is a surgical procedure that replaces a natural tooth’s roots. It’s a prosthetic device fixed into the jawbone to mimic the appearance and functions of tooth/teeth. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures with a 95% success rate.
The procedure is simple but lengthy. It depends on a patient’s dental history, jaw bone structure (for bone grafting purpose), and the gum’s ability to hold the implant(s). You should keep in mind that the success rate of getting a successful dental implant is 98%.
So, what type of dentist can help?
Types of Dentists For Implants
Oral/Dental Surgeon
An oral surgeon should be the one you visit for dental implant placement purposes. The surgeon examines the area for the dental implant and conducts an assessment of whether the patient is a good candidate for an implant or not. Oral surgeons can alter the bone structure and graft bones more because of their expertise.
General Dentist
A general dentist is a professional who focuses on providing preventative care and handling tooth restorations. Your general dentist can perform deep cleanings, fillings, and root canal therapy. More general dentists nowadays can perform dental implants with ease but may have limited experience in performing oral surgery.
Cosmetic Dentist
Cosmetic dentists are experts at changing the appearance of teeth and your overall smile by using dentures, braces, teeth whitening, and many other options. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to give their patients the most natural and healthy-looking teeth. Implants can also improve your smile’s appearance so some cosmetic dentists perform implant surgery. With that said, they can’t operate themselves but work with a certified oral surgeon to complete the surgical process for the best results.
Periodontist
A periodontist is a dental professional who deals with treating gums and jawbones. They are much more experienced and schooled than a general dentist and therefore have more knowledge about gum and jawbone diseases (periodontal diseases). Besides treating and preventing periodontal diseases, they can also perform implants on a patient. Instead of going to a general dentist for implant-related advice, you can consult a periodontist as well.
Who Should You Visit?
The choice depends on your personal preference along with several important factors. If you are panicking to get a dental implant, it’s a good idea to visit a general dentist. If you have underlying dental problems, you can opt for a periodontist. If you have no dental or gum issue whatsoever, you can pay a visit to a cosmetic dentist or an oral surgeon for a surgical procedure.
Need dental implants in Charlotte, NC? Contact us via our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khalil Mjahed. Dr. Mjahed offers the most advanced technology in dental care in a comfortable environment to make your dental patient experience the best it can be. Call District Dentistry on 704-910-5006.
