Do Oral Surgeons Do Dental Implants? Here’s What Experts Say

If you're missing a tooth (or more than one), chances are you've heard about dental implants. They're often praised as the gold standard for tooth replacement. But when it comes time to actually schedule the dental implant procedure, the big question hits: who should you trust to do it?

Should you visit an oral surgeon for your dental implant? Or can your regular dentist handle it? Maybe a periodontist? It's a lot, and when you're already dealing with missing teeth, the last thing you want is confusion stacked on top.

Let’s clear things up with answers straight from the experts, without the fluff.

Dental Implant Treatment Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

A dental implant procedure is more than just a screw in your jaw. It’s a carefully crafted titanium post (called the implant post) that serves as a sturdy anchor for a dental crown. It’s designed to look, feel, and function like your natural tooth. The goal? Restore your smile and chewing ability without relying on dentures or bridges.

But here's where it gets tricky: placing a dental implant involves both surgical skill and prosthetic planning. Not every dental professional is trained in both. That’s where the type of provider you choose matters, a lot.

Oral Surgeon Training and Why It Matters

An oral surgeon isn't just a dentist with a few extra certifications. These specialists go through years of advanced training beyond dental school. In fact, oral surgeons must complete a hospital-based residency that focuses heavily on oral and maxillofacial surgery.

That means they’re not just skilled at removing wisdom teeth, they also handle complex jaw surgery, facial trauma, bone grafting, and yes, dental implant placement. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in oral anatomy in ways most general dentists aren't.

If your case involves any complications, like a thin jawbone, multiple missing teeth, or the need for sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll want someone who’s comfortable with high-stakes surgical procedures. And that often means choosing an oral surgeon.

What the Dental Implant Procedure Involves

Here’s the general process of placing a dental implant: First, the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to access the jawbone. Then the implant post is inserted into the bone. Over the next few months, your jawbone heals and fuses to the implant (a process called osseointegration). Once everything’s stable, a crown is attached on top.

Sounds straightforward, right? But depending on the type of implant, the condition of your jawbone, and how many teeth you're replacing, it can get complex fast. That’s why many patients opt to have an oral surgeon perform the procedure.

In some cases, implant surgeries also require a bone graft beforehand. If the jawbone is too soft or thin to support the implant, bone grafting builds up the area to ensure stability. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are especially skilled in this kind of preparation.

Sedation Options and Comfort During Surgery

No one gets excited about dental surgery. But oral surgeons are trained in multiple forms of sedation, from local anesthetics to oral sedation to full-on general anesthesia. That means they can tailor your comfort level depending on how nervous you are or how complex the surgery is.

So if the thought of getting a tooth implant makes your palms sweat, don’t worry. You have options. And when implants are surgically placed by a specialist who knows how to keep you comfortable, the whole experience gets a lot less intimidating.

When to Choose an Oral Surgeon for Dental Implants

Here’s a quick gut-check guide for when you should choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant:

• You’re missing multiple teeth

• You need bone grafting or jaw surgery

• You want sedation or general anesthesia

• You’ve had implant failure in the past

• You’ve been told your case is “complex” or “high-risk”

• You want the highest success rate possible

Oral surgeons and periodontists both specialize in placing dental implants, but oral surgeons are often the go-to for surgical cases that require more precision. If your general dentist may recommend you to a specialist, there’s a good chance it’ll be an oral surgeon or a periodontist when it comes to implant dentistry.

How Dental Implants Are Placed Safely and Effectively

The success rate of dental implants is sky-high, up to 98% according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a result of thorough planning, expert implant placement, and solid follow-up care.

During the implant placement procedure, your provider considers everything from bite alignment to bone density to sinus positioning. It's like engineering meets artistry. That’s one reason why placing dental implants requires so much expertise.

Implants are placed in stages, first the surgical part, then the restoration with a crown. Some general dentists can perform both steps, but many team up with an oral surgeon for the surgical phase. It's a bit like calling in a surgeon to assist on a broken bone rather than letting your family doctor wing it.

Comparing Dentists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons

Here’s a quick breakdown of how different dental professionals handle implants:

• General dentist: May place implants if trained, but often refers complex cases

• Periodontist: Specializes in gums and may place dental implants, especially if there’s gum disease

• Oral surgeon: Specializes in surgical procedures like tooth extraction, bone grafting, and implant placement

Think of it this way: if your car needs a new transmission, would you go to a general mechanic or a transmission specialist? Same logic applies here.

The Best Choice for Dental Implant Success

So, what’s the best choice for dental implants if you want to replace missing teeth with dental implants that last? It really comes down to your individual case. For straightforward, single-tooth implants with healthy gums and bone, a skilled general dentist might be all you need.

But if you’re dealing with multiple missing teeth, previous dental problems, or need a bone graft, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is likely the safest route. These experts specialize in oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery and perform dental implant procedures regularly.

Are Dentures or Bridges Still an Option?

Yes, dentures or bridges are still used for tooth replacement, especially in cases where dental implants aren’t an option for health or budget reasons. But they don’t offer the same stability. Implants eliminate the slipping, clicking, and daily adhesives that can come with dentures.

Plus, implants help preserve your jawbone by stimulating it the way natural teeth do. That’s a major win for long-term oral health and facial structure. Bridges may require grinding down healthy teeth to stay in place.

What to Expect During Recovery

Most people are surprised to find that recovery from dental implant surgery is smoother than expected. Mild swelling, some tenderness, and a soft-food diet for a few days are typical. But because it’s an outpatient surgery, you’ll go home the same day.

With the right dental care and follow-up, healing usually goes off without a hitch, and in a few months, you’ll be smiling like nothing ever happened. Except better.