Who to See When Thinking About Getting Dental Implants

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICOI

If dental implants are what you need to best replace your missing teeth, you should select a dentist with in-depth knowledge of and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment. It is important to know that implant treatment consists of two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase.

Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performed the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician, performed the restorative component. As implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, the restorative dentist, at times, also has become the one that places the implants. However, each clinician involved in implant treatment must be aware that the type of final restoration a patient wants dictates the position, size, and number of the implants within the jaws.

What Types of Implant Restorations Are There?

For each unique missing tooth situation, there is an equally unique way to use implants to replace teeth. However, all of the treatments can be placed in two categories: removable or fixed prostheses. Removable implant dentures are generally used when a patient is missing all of their teeth. Fewer implants are necessary when used in conjunction with a removable denture. Conversely, more implants are necessary when used in conjunction with a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges feel most like your natural teeth and are usually more desirable than removable dentures.

Mastering new surgical and restorative techniques as they are developed is the mark of excellence in implant dentistry. A dentist's meticulous attention to fine detail conveys a feeling of confidence to the patient. The dentist should be committed to restoring full function to the missing teeth as well as recreating natural-looking teeth. These are the qualities a patient should look for in a dentist to place and restore their implants.