Best dental clinic I have ever been to! Not only is the dental staff extremely nice and polite, but Dr. Mariana Blagoev is such a kind-hearted individual. I was able to witness her transform a friend’s old filling into a new, much improved one with no pain whatsoever. Even though my friend gets extremely anxious around Dentists, Dr. Mariana was able to calm and reassure my friend multiple times, allowing her to feel completely relaxed. I was also happy with how Dr. Mariana took her time with the fillings to ensure absolute perfection, which unfortunately not many dentists do. The new fillings completely transformed my friend’s smile, and thanks to Dr. Mariana, my friend is able to smile confidently now. 100% recommend!
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering, can a general dentist do implants? Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. However, the procedure involves several steps that require specific expertise.
While general dentists are highly skilled in many aspects of dental care, dental implants often require additional specialized training. In this blog, we’ll explain when a general dentist can handle dental implants and when it’s necessary to consult a specialist.
General Dentists and Their Role in Dental Implants
Dentists in general dentistry are the first professionals who will evaluate your need for dental implants. They can assess the overall condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if implants are a suitable option for you.
After this initial assessment, general dentists can discuss various implant options and help you understand what’s involved in the process.
However, placing dental implants is a more specialized procedure. While some general dentists may feel comfortable performing the implant surgery themselves, most will refer you to an oral surgeon or a periodontist for the surgical part of the procedure. This referral is typically made to ensure you receive the highest level of care for the surgical aspects of the implant.
The Role of Cosmetic Dentists in Dental Implants
Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of your smile, and some may be trained to handle dental implants. They work with you to create a beautiful, functional smile, and dental implants can be part of their services. Nevertheless, in many cases, they will work with a specialist such as an oral surgeon to place the implants.
Cosmetic dentists often work in collaboration with other professionals to ensure that the implants not only fit well but look natural. They focus on the esthetic side of the procedure, designing crowns that match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Oral Surgeons: The Specialists for Dental Implants
For the actual implant placement, oral surgeons are often the best option. Oral surgeons are highly trained in surgical procedures and have specific expertise in the areas of bone grafting and tooth extractions, which are sometimes necessary before dental implants.
If you need bone grafting to improve the foundation for your implants, an oral surgeon is your go-to professional. They will handle the surgical aspects of the procedure and make sure that the implants are placed securely in your jawbone. After the surgery, a general dentist may take over your care for follow-up appointments and routine maintenance.
Periodontists and Their Expertise in Dental Implants
Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the gums and the structures that support your teeth. They are often the right choice if your dental implants require gum tissue work or if you have a history of gum disease.
Periodontists can place the implants themselves and are skilled in performing the necessary procedures to make sure the gums and bone heal properly around the implant.
If you have had issues with gum disease, a periodontist will be familiar with your situation and can ensure that the implants integrate properly into your jawbone.
When to See a General Dentist vs. a Specialist
For many patients, the process starts with asking, “Can a general dentist do implants?” for their specific situation. A general dentist can handle the initial evaluation, explain treatment options, and, if qualified, perform the procedure. In more complicated cases involving bone grafting or advanced surgical steps, a specialist such as an oral surgeon or periodontist is usually recommended.
Working with both a general dentist and a specialist can give you the most predictable outcome and seamless follow-up care.
Why Choose Bright Smiles Dental for Your Dental Care?
At Bright Smiles Dental, our team is committed to providing comprehensive dental care with a focus on your comfort and overall health. We are a multispecialty dental care facility with dentists trained in implants and other procedures.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Let us help you restore your smile with professional, compassionate care!