If you want to install or replace a missing tooth then a dental implant is the best way to do so. As it is invasive and requires surgery it is important to find the right dental professional to perform such implants. But who are these dental professionals and how are they different from each other, such questions will be answered in this article so read till last.

During annual dental checkups or experiencing a toothache, the first person we visit is the general dentist.

But when we need to install or implant something in our mouth we require a specialist. Although any licensed dentist can legally place dental implants they still require a level of training and experience to perform the procedure.

A dental expert or specialist who can perform a dental implant surgery is mainly known as an implantologist.

The planning and process for dental implants include 3 units: Dentist, oral surgeon, Periodontists (after full understanding of these three titles one who needs implant help will make the right decision about who should do the surgery).

1. Dentist - Dentists are likely to be the ones who decide whether a dental implant placement is needed. General dentists have started to recommend dental implant placement in place of partial or complete dentures.

Cosmetic dentists' main focus is on improving the beauty of an individual's smile. This means they also highly recommend dental implant placement, to look more natural than other teeth replacement options.

As I said earlier, most dentists are trained to perform implant operations, however, dentists may be less trained than an oral surgeon or a periodontist when it comes to performing dental implant placement.

2. Oral surgeon - An oral surgeon is the safest option for dental implant placement, as they are specialized in oral surgery. Therefore, anyone who is worried about the operation can be assured that they are in good care when an oral surgeon performs the operation.

An oral surgeon is very likely needed when bone grafting is done before the implants are fused into the jawbone. Oral surgeons are more trained in bone grafting operations than dentists and periodontists.

With that being said, an oral surgeon is not always needed as the operation is fairly simple. Most of the time practicing dentists are oral surgeons as well. To figure out whether an oral surgeon is needed for dental implant placement, it's better to discuss all options with a dentist.

3. Periodontist - In the process of placing a dental implant involves going into the gums and fusing the implant into the jawbones. As a result, periodontists, who are specialized in the supporting structures of teeth, are generally highly capable of carrying out a dental implant placement without any complications.

Since periodontists basically have more specific schooling in matters of dental implant placement, in some cases, they might be needed to assist with the operation, rather than a dentist carrying it out by themselves.

{I do take myself to the dentist for an annual checkup, although I am not a great fan of the whole process people staying in Australia have to agree that Dentist in Boronia and Dentist Bendigo are very gentle and caring and makes going to the dentist easier also they have few cost-effective places which might help people who live on a strict budget.}

Now that we know Dental implant dentist is none other than Oral surgeons, let's talk about the qualifications and Oral surgeon has or requires:-

Oral surgeons have to undergo rigorous education and training above other dental professionals. The practice makes them perfect, as the more experience they get, it acts as the aid in treating complex oral conditions well and performing difficult surgeries.

Education

The career of oral surgery generally starts with an undergraduate degree which includes studies in sciences (chemistry, physics, biology) and mathematics. Candidates are required to complete the degree and satisfy the requirements of the dental school.

They also have to obtain a good score on the Dental Admissions Test to get admission into dental school. Although it is not mandatory to complete a four-year degree, most candidates prefer completing a bachelor’s degree before anything else.

Afterward, the student of dental implant dentistry must finish the four years of dental school, which is a necessity for anyone who wants to practice as a dentist. This degree covers both- practical and theoretical work, with courses on anatomy and biology that focus on the oral cavity and face and clinical rotations in different specialties. After completing four years of practice students get a Doctor of Dental Surgery, or D.D.S., degree.

Licensing

After completion of their education, oral surgeons in training should get a state license to practice. To grant a license, most states demand a dental degree from an accredited school and marks (high score or passing) on the National Board Dental Examinations, which includes both practical and written tests.

Residency

The last and final stage of the oral surgeon’s training, which usually takes between four to six years and covers clinical work in different areas. Most of the training and experience the dentist gets during the program is directed (focused on) diagnosing and treating surgical complications.

The hard work gives oral surgeons the knowledge and experience to handle delicate, complex operations required to treat oral pathology and injuries to the oral cavity and face. After completion of the residency program, they should pass another set of examinations to get board certification as oral surgeons.

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