Who can perform dental implant procedures? To answer this question, we need first to understand what exactly is a dental implant procedure.
Dental implant procedures are becoming increasingly common, with many Australians opting for the procedure to replace missing teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, bone grows around them until the implants fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, which helps support them in place. They serve as an anchor for the replacement of false teeth. They can be used as an alternative to the dental bridge and removable dentures. These do not look or feel natural.
As with any dental procedure, you’ll want to make sure you’re seeing an experienced dentist qualified in the field. Suppose you’re uncertain about who can perform dental implant procedures. In that case, this blog post will help you with the right dental professionals who could attend to your needs.
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Who Can Perform Dental Implants?
Implant surgery is an invasive procedure that should only be performed by a licensed, qualified dentist with experience in such procedures. The dental implant fixture must be placed surgically in the jawbone. For this reason, dental specialists who often conduct surgery on areas within the jawbone are well-suited to do implant treatment.
Implants are not specialty-specific, so any dentist that has been trained to place them will have the necessary skills. Your general dentist should be able to advise you whether they feel comfortable placing an implant on your jaw bone or not and should point out where implants are most appropriate.
General dentists
General dentists are not any less competent than a specialist. Still, they don’t have the training and experience to perform dental implant surgery. Performing a procedure that requires specialist equipment and knowledge is outside their abilities and scope of practice.
Most General Dentists want to focus on their strengths in the field and therefore choose not to do specific procedures out of scope. It means they will refer patients to specialists like Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons or Periodontists who may be better suited for particular case-work such as placement of implants, where the dentist would help make crowns or caps when necessary after osseointegration has taken place.
Prosthodontists
Today, prosthodontists can do more than just repair and replace teeth. They can also make improvements in the appearance of your smile through cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers or dental implants.
Prosthodontists specialize in various treatments that range from simple bridge repairs to much more complicated reconstructive dental care for patients who may have suffered some oral trauma throughout their lives.
Oral Surgeons
An oral surgeon is a specialist most often used for the placement of dental implants. These specialists have spent four years training in surgical procedures, which often include implants and other complex procedures.
Periodontist
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. They can also help you manage the advancement of gum problems, such as inflammation in the mouth. With their expertise in surgical techniques, a periodontist is ideally suited for dental implant placement. They receive training in the treatment of gum disease and may offer implants if the case is appropriate. They can also help you manage the advancement of gum problems, such as inflammation in the mouth.
Endodontists
Endodontists are more recently emerging specialists who place implants to replace teeth that have been lost. Some common dental treatments performed by an endodontist include root canal therapy, tooth extraction, post and core dental implants, and diagnosis of traumatic injuries to the mouth or teeth. These dentists also perform atraumatic extractions and need to give implants as a restoration after extraction. They undergo a few years of extra training to treat teeth with endodontic therapy.
Learn More: What You Need To Know About Different Types Of Dental Implants
Can a General Dentist Perform a Dental Implants Procedure?
Dental implants are not always available, depending on the dentist you see. You should find one who offers this service before getting a dental treatment procedure.
Before the treatment plan, ensure that your dentist has surgical skills to do dental implant procedures correctly.
Specialists commonly perform dental implant placement. Still, some general dentists have supplementary training that equips them to place implants. Your dentist would learn the skills necessary for placement during special post-doctoral training. The main concern of your general dentist is the long-term health and quality of your smile.
Learn more about Dental Implants: Dental Implants: Costs, Procedures, Types & Benefits
Why Dental Implants Is so Popular
The High Success Rate
Dental implants are so much better than other replacement options because they have the highest success rates. That’s because not only are they much sturdier than other replacement options, but their success rate sits at 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants.
Durable and Reliable
An implant post is a permanent fixture. It makes it ideal for replacing missing teeth and as support structures for implant crowns or false teeth. However, the success of the dental implant process depends mainly on the proper care and maintenance that is given to them.
Natural Look and Comfortable Fit
Dental implants are a revolutionary option for people who want to have the confidence, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of natural teeth.
They can improve the patient’s self-esteem and confidence with their appearance. Patients will not need to worry about losing dentures that become loose over time or about how they will appear to others when eating in public.
It Makes It Easier to Eat and Speak.
Permanent titanium implants are anchored in your jaw bone, similar to your real tooth. With time, they help preserve your jaw bone and reduce its resorption significantly. Replacing your lost or damaged tooth with implants not only allows you to chew food better but also helps improve how you articulate words when speaking.
Improved facial attribute
Dental implants are an excellent alternative to traditional bridgework because they protect the natural teeth, avoiding the need for cutting down adjacent teeth. Your jawbone would also be preserved instead of deteriorating or bone loss from lack of use, helping you maintain healthy bones without compromising on comfort or appearance. Therefore, you can have the jawbone height that is important for the facial structure in your mouth.
Who Should Get Dental Implants?
If your teeth are beyond repair and haven’t been replaced, a dental implant can bring back the function of your natural tooth. However, not everyone is eligible to qualify for this treatment.
Dental implants are not recommended for patients under 18 or those with medical conditions that could affect success rates. Individuals who are too young to receive dental implants will not be able to do so because their jaw and bone tissue is still developing. Those with medical conditions like an autoimmune disease, blood clotting disorder, or uncontrolled diabetes may not be the best candidates for implant surgery due to a higher risk of side effects and complication rates.
Dental implants are an excellent alternative for healthy adults who can undergo dental procedures such as tooth extraction. In addition, there are no age limitations to this treatment as long as the patient’s oral health is good without any cases of gum disease or cavities; however, individuals with such issues must first resolve these before they can be treated with implants.
Furthermore, adequate bone mass in your jaw is essential. Otherwise, you might need to undergo a bone graft to correct this issue. However, the healing time would take months; thus, it would delay the dental implant procedure.
It’s essential to consult a dentist before undergoing any dental procedure because you suffer from other health concerns that might affect your overall well-being once you have experienced the treatment process.
Learn More: Who Can Get Dental Implants
Cost Of Dental Implants
A dental implant procedure is a costly process, but the price varies depending on your individual needs. If you need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift for the implant to be successful, it will most likely cost more.
Single-tooth implant cost
The price of a straightforward dental implant in Australia varies between $3,000 – $6,500. The national dental fee survey in 2017 claimed that the average cost per tooth is around $5,563, so you should expect an amount at least this high.
Full mouth dental implant cost
If you’re interested in a full upper implant or all-on-4 dental implants, the investment would be between $23,000 and $27,000 per arch.
Learn more about Dental Implant Costs: Cost of Dental Implants in Australia
What To Expect During The Dental Implants Procedure
Preparation
When you come in for the initial dental visit, the dentist will take x-rays and other scans to assess tooth health so he can address severe dental concerns like decay or inflammation. If they find some bone grafting is necessary, it can take much longer than usual before implant treatment starts. Careful planning will be done so proper steps will be made for the treatment.
Placing The Implants
The first step in the procedure is to numb your mouth with local anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable, an incision will be made into your gum using a drill that should cause no distress to the patient. The new implant then gets inserted and secured by stitches. At the same time, it fuses into the jawbone, which can take up to several months but will result in more stable support for the dental crown.
Installing the Abutment
After the patient has undergone osseointegration, they will need to undergo minor oral surgery to install an abutment. The procedure takes place under local anesthesia and involves placing a post through the gum tissue that connects the titanium implant to their dental crown. It is where a ceramic tooth is then affixed securely onto a base.
Fitting the Crown
Dentists typically recommend waiting two to four weeks after abutment placement before replacing it with an artificial tooth. Once healed, the dentist will make a mould of your mouth which will be used to fabricate a natural-looking dental crown.
When the jawbone has fully healed, it is now secure enough for the permanent crown to be fitted and attached. The artificial tooth will look just like a natural one because it’s made of porcelain that dentists developed to maintain an exact appearance and colouration.
Recovery
The dental practitioner will provide patients with a complete list of post-operative instructions after surgery. Recovery for each procedure varies depending on what type was performed and any necessary aftercare such as preventative or therapeutic care.
As you recover from the dental surgery, it’s essential to avoid eating crunchy and hard foods for a few days. It’s also crucial not to neglect your oral hygiene responsibilities, like brushing your teeth carefully. It would be best if you looked after your oral health, or else gums can become bruised and painful as well.
Dental restoration may cause some of the typical discomforts experienced with any medical procedure. Areas impacted by swelling include your gums and face, bruises on both skin and gums. It is also common to experience pain where they put the replacement tooth. Moreover, you’ll also be given medicines for pain relief. However, if the pain and discomfort do not subside after a few days post-surgery, and it becomes unbearable, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist, who can help alleviate this discomfort.
Learn More: Pros & Cons of Dental Implants
Final Thoughts
Suppose you are considering undergoing a dental implant procedure. In that case, it may be helpful to know that there is more than one type of dentist who can perform the process. For example, in many cases, a periodontist or dental surgeon will work on their patients without referring them elsewhere. But suppose you need help from another dental specialist for bone grafting before implants can take hold properly. In that case, your regular dentist might refer you over and then come back later to finish up when all necessary procedures have been completed.
Here at Burwood Dental Care, we have the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art practice that will make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our dental team comprises highly skilled dental professionals with years of experience providing these services to satisfy patients like yourself. To schedule an appointment or ask any questions about what we offer, you may contact us today at 03 7034 0333.