Health

Dental Implants: When You Need An Oral Surgeon?

Dental Implants: When You Need an Oral Surgeon?

Dental implants are artificial structures that replace missing teeth. The implants are inserted into the patient's jawbone and help improve tooth appearance and bite. A dental implant is a significant investment to improve oral health functioning. Therefore, choosing the right professional matters. Not every dentist is qualified to do implant surgery.

There are times when you must prefer an oral surgeon over a general dentist. Continue reading to know more about dental implants and when you need an oral surgeon for implant surgery? If you are looking for a Gentle Dentist for your Implants surgery, we can help you. Call us right away to get the best treatment and elevate your smile.

Dental Implants: Quick Overview

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that improves chewing function. It is inserted into the patient's jawbone and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are highly durable and can even last for a lifetime. Patients who cannot or do not want to get bridges, crowns, or dentures prefer to get dental implant treatment. This treatment helps preserve natural tooth tissue, reduce bone deterioration, and restore jawbone structure. 

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular due to missing teeth. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has reported that 69% of adults have at least one missing tooth. Recent statistics show that the global market for dental implants grew by 8.7% in 2021.

 There are numerous advantages of dental implants, for instance:

  • Restores bite force.
  •  Prevents bone loss.
  • Enables natural speech.
  • Easy to look after.
  • Supports adjacent teeth.
  • Offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.

How Important Is a Specialist for Dental Implant Placement?

Dental implants are placed in the patient's jawbone and, as a result, require minor oral surgery. Therefore, it is important to see the qualifications and experience of the dental health professional for an implant procedure.

General dentists can place dental implants, provided they are qualified and trained. Most dentists have sufficient training to perform implant procedures, and they do not require intervention by a third party. However, they have less training as compared to an oral surgeon. On the other hand, Oral surgeons are more experts in placing dental implants due to their expertise and specialization.

Normally, a general dentist can do an implant procedure when the patient does not require additional treatment, such as bone grafting or ridge augmentation. If everything seems well and the patient has sufficient bone density, a dentist can be considered for implant placement.

Why Need an Oral Surgeon for Implant Surgery?

An oral surgeon is most likely the safest option for placing dental implants. He has a specialization in surgery, and dental implants require a fairly invasive procedure. Therefore, oral surgeons are preferable over general dentists for an implant procedure.

There are times when the patient does not have sufficient jawbone strength and healthy gums. Moreover, the tooth has been missing for so long that it has caused further deterioration in the teeth structures. Tight spaces form between the gums and teeth with uncomfortable pressure arising due to missing teeth. In such a case, the patient requires additional treatment, for which choosing an oral surgeon is always the smartest choice.

Additional Procedures Before Placing Dental Implants:

It's common for patients to need bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or sinus lifting before implant placement. Here is a brief description of these procedures.

1. Bone Grafting:

A dental bone graft adds density and volume to areas where bone loss has occurred. When there is sufficient bone loss in the patient's mouth, bone grafting is necessary before the implant procedure. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure, and an oral surgeon can do this procedure with greater efficiency than a general dentist.

2. Ridge Augmentation:

Ridge augmentation is a procedure that involves the placement of a bone graft or tissue to fill the gap in a missing tooth. It is to create a healthy base for dental implants so that implants can retain for a longer period.

3. Sinus Lifting:

Sinus lifting is for patients with an insufficient bone structure for supporting implants. It is a procedure that involves a bone transplant to place dental implants with ease. 

An oral surgeon must perform these procedures to have a high success rate. Oral surgeons have focused education and advanced training in implant dentistry, and they know how to handle emergencies. Moreover, they have great expertise in handling complications during the procedure for which a general dentist might not be well prepared.

Final Thoughts:

  • Some dentists are qualified for dental implant placement. However, they have less professional training than oral surgeons, especially in complicated cases. Therefore, an oral surgeon should always be preferred over general dentists for the best outcomes. You should visit Contra Costa Dental Implants for the best outcomes.