Why Should I Choose an Oral Surgeon for My Dental Implant Procedure?

17 March 2023

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, more than 500,000 people undergo implant procedures in the U.S. every year. This makes dental implants one of the most frequently performed treatments throughout oral surgery centers in the U.S.

While dental implant surgery might be performed often, it is still a very intricate and complex procedure. To ensure the best outcome, it is vital that you choose the right dental professional for your treatment. 

There are several reasons why you should choose an oral surgeon for dental implant procedures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of permanent dental prostheses that can be used to replace missing, broken, or damaged teeth. Dental implants can be placed one at a time, or they can replace full arches using the All-on-4^® treatment concept.

When you receive a single dental implant, it is secured in place by a titanium post that fuses to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. With the All-on-4^® treatment concept, the entire top and bottom set of implants are fused to the jawbone with as few as four dental implants per arch. 

Dental implants have grown in popularity over the years and have become the standard way to replace missing or broken teeth. Patients prefer implants because they offer more durability and longevity than other dental restoration methods and have a more natural appearance. 

Signs You Need Dental Implants

The following are some indicators you may benefit from implant treatment:

• One or more missing teeth
• Loose dentures or loose partials
• An infected tooth that needs extraction
• Dental disease that requires multiple extractions
• A loose dental bridge
• Difficulty chewing or talking
• A misaligned or uneven bite due to missing teeth
• Changes in facial structure due to missing teeth
• Discomfort when wearing dentures or other replacement teeth

If you are deemed a candidate for implant surgery, it is essential that you find the right specialist to perform your procedure — and that specialist is an oral surgeon.

Why Should an Oral Surgeon Perform Your Implant Procedure?

There are several different types of dental professionals who provide dental implant procedures. This includes dentists, periodontists, and prosthodontists. While all of these providers are able to place implants, it is often preferable to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant treatment. 

Some of the most notable reasons you should have an oral surgeon perform your implant procedure include:

Experience with Complex Cases

Many patients do not realize that placing dental implants can be an intricate and elaborate procedure. Some patients have very complicated needs when having their implants placed. Most oral surgeons have placed a high number of dental implants, which means they have seen a wide range of complexities. 

Oral surgeons bring extensive experience to each implant procedure, which means they know how to handle potential complications like jawbone deterioration caused by severe periodontal disease. 

Multiple Anesthetic Options

A major factor that sets oral surgeons apart from other dental specialists is that they offer various types of anesthesia for their procedures. Every patient has specific needs, and some people require alternative anesthetic options.

When you choose to have dental implants placed by an oral surgeon, you will most likely receive general anesthesia. Some patients who have only one implant placed may have light sedation or a local anesthetic. Other dental providers may not offer the same selection of anesthetics.

Multi-Step Procedures

Another important reason to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant procedure is that they can offer multi-step treatments. Sometimes dental implants require additional services, depending on your unique needs. 

For example, you may require bone grafting to resolve jawbone integrity concerns. Similarly, many patients need damaged or diseased teeth extracted before their implants can be placed. An oral surgeon can design a customized treatment plan that includes tooth extractions and other services to meet all of your needs.

Extensive Medical Training

Experience and medical training are other reasons to choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant procedure. Oral surgeons are required to complete a longer duration of medical training than other dental professionals. 

In fact, out of all dental providers, oral surgeons typically receive the most education and training before entering the field. This includes time spent in a hospital-based residency program, which gives them a unique approach to surgical treatments, such as dental implants. 

Great Results

When you have any procedure performed, you expect a great outcome. Most patients find that they experience ideal results with oral surgeons. An inexperienced provider placing your implants might result in poor longevity, breakage, or damage to the surrounding tissue and jawbone. When you choose an oral surgeon for your implant procedure, you can rest assured that the entire surgical team will go above and beyond to provide the care you need.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Dental Implants

If you have broken, missing, or damaged teeth, you may require dental implants. The first step in your dental implant procedure is finding the right surgeon for your treatment. Having your dental implants placed by an experienced oral surgeon can mean the difference between a successful procedure and further dental concerns.

Dr. Joshua S. Brandner performs dental implant surgery at The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana in Covington, LA. Our team will work directly with you to assess your dental needs and provide the most comprehensive implant procedure. We consistently strive to create a comfortable, attentive patient experience. Learn more about our dental implant procedures today.