What Type of Dentist Specializes in Dental Implants?

All dentists have received a medical degree, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), to become a dentist. However, only about 20% of dentists in the United States are specialists and an even smaller subset are implant specialists [1].

Dentists who are specialists receive years of additional training and education to become a specialist, such as a periodontist, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, dental anesthesiologist, or prosthodontist, among other specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

So what type of dentist specializes in dental implants? A prosthodontist, who is a specialist in fabricating artificial teeth to replace damaged natural teeth or missing teeth, specializes in dental implant restoration, while a smaller number of them also specialize in implant surgery. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry both Drs. Marlin and Talmazov also provide highly successful implant surgery.

What Exactly Is a Prosthodontist and What Do They Do?

Unlike a general dentist, a prosthodontist has received highly specialized training, involving several additional years of experience and education after dental school, in replacing teeth. They are also trained in the laboratory fabrication of dental prosthetics to help them deliver higher-quality, natural-looking results to their patients [2].

A prosthodontist has the experience, knowledge, and skill to expertly replace missing teeth and ensure beautiful, comfortable, functional, and durable restorations for patients. 

Rather than simply replacing missing teeth, a prosthodontist takes into account the function and aesthetics of your entire smile to ensure that the restoration will look and function seamlessly for you. Prosthodontists also emphasize proper treatment planning to ensure a successful result.

In addition, prosthodontists also specialize in complex or challenging implant cases that a general dentist may not be equipped to handle, such as restoring failing dental implants, inserting and restoring implants in the smile line, treating temporomandibular joint disorders, and cases that require multiple steps or therapies. 

Why a Prosthodontist Is the Best Choice for Dental Implants

There are a few reasons why a prosthodontist is the best choice for dental implant treatment:

• Advanced technology for proper procedure planning. Prosthodontists utilize advanced technology, such as CBCT scans, to ensure proper treatment planning. This allows them to virtually insert the implant to ensure precise and accurate placement prior to the procedure.

• Precise placement for high success. A surgical prosthodontist will take extra care to ensure the implant is placed in the appropriate position for proper function and aesthetics. Ideal placement is critical to the success of dental implant therapy and something a prosthodontist will handle with the utmost care [3].

• Explore all your options. Since prosthodontists are trained and experienced in treating complex cases, such as people with multiple missing teeth, you can explore all your options for dental implants, including full-arch prosthesis options, with an experienced professional who will help you choose your best treatment.

• Receive all your care in one place. If you need dental implants and your prospective prosthodontist also surgically inserts the implants, you will receive all of your care in one place, including implant placement followed by your custom restorations, to ensure a smooth process with fewer visits and stunning results.

Dental implants are a lifelong investment into your smile. The process can also take several months to complete, so it is a time investment as well. Choosing a prosthodontist for your dental implants will ensure the procedure is done properly the first time for lasting results.

Looking for a Prosthodontist in Washington, DC?

If you are considering dental implants and are looking for a prosthodontist, schedule a consultation with Elite Prosthetic Dentistry. Our experienced team, state-of-the-art technology, and in-house fabricated restorations have allowed us to deliver and restore over 3,600 dental implants for patients with a success rate higher than the 20-year national average. We look forward to helping you restore your smile!

Sources:

1. https://ncrdscb.ada.org/recognized-dental-specialties 
2. https://www.prosthodontics.org/about-acp/position-statement-what-is-a-prosthodontist-and-the-dental-specialty-of-prosthodontics/ 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470448/