Choosing an Implant Dentist

Dental implants allow dentists to provide natural-looking tooth replacements to patients who are missing one or more of their teeth. If you are considering getting dental implants, choosing an experienced implant dentist will help ensure the quality of the treatment you receive. The information provided below is designed to assist you in researching and selecting a qualified dental implant provider.

Qualifications to Look For in an Implant Dentist

While any licensed dentist may place and restore dental implants, the following guidelines can help you select a qualified dental implant practitioner:

• To avoid a less experienced implant dentist, look for a provider who practices extensively in dental implants.
• The more post-doctoral training a dentist has had, the better the care he or she likely provides. Review the education and training of the implant dentist you are considering by viewing the practice’s website or requesting this information directly. If possible, find a dentist that has completed a three-year post-graduate program in prosthodontics.
• The following professional dental groups train or certify dentists in the use of dental implants. Find out if your dentist has received training or certification through any of these groups.
• American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID)
• American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
• Misch International Implant Institute (MIII)
• American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
• American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics (AAIP)
• To get an idea of the type of results you could expect from the dentist, ask him or her for before and after pictures of previous patients.

What is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontics is the field of dentistry dedicated to the use of tooth restorations to repair or replace teeth and related structures of the mouth and jaw. It is one of the nine specific areas of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association. A prosthodontist is a licensed dentist who specializes in this area of dentistry.

Any graduate of an accredited dental school may practice prosthodontics. In order to hone their skill, however, dentists can choose to complete a three-year post-doctoral training program in prosthodontics. Of the implant dentists who complete these programs, many go on to become board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. To become a board-certified prosthodontist, a dentist must pass a four-part examination administered by the prosthodontic board. He or she is then required to recertify every eight years in order to ensure current standards of implant practice.

Through restorations such as dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants, prosthodontists can replace missing teeth and provide patients with a healthier smile. If you have lost one or more of your teeth and are considering implant dentistry, a prosthodontist can discuss your options and design a treatment plan specifically for you.

Do I Need an Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon specializes in the treatment of conditions of the mouth and jaws that require surgery. If you have badly damaged teeth, or if you are missing teeth, and are considering getting dental implants, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to determine if dental implant placement is right for you. Typically, patients with good oral health and sufficient bone in their jaws are good candidates for dental implants.

If you are deemed eligible to receive implants but your dentist does not perform the actual placement of implants, he or she will have the oral surgeon conduct this part of the treatment. During the procedure, the surgeon will carefully create a place in your jaw for the implants. He or she will then insert the implants and stitch your gums to cover them. Once the implants have fully grafted onto your jaw, which usually takes three to six months, the oral surgeon will place small posts called abutments inside the implants to serve as support structures for your new teeth. In a few weeks, your dentist or a prosthodontist will create the restorations to set on top of the abutments. Find out more about the steps involved in dental implant surgery.

Find a Prosthodontist, Oral Surgeon, or Implant Dentist through DocShop

If you're looking for a prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or implant dentist, DocShop can provide you with a list of qualified practitioners in your area. Find an implant dentist in your state through DocShop's online directory.