A dentist that focuses on providing dental implants (replacement teeth that are implanted into the jawbone) is known as an Implantologist. Although not a particularly new area of dentistry, recent advancements have led to Implantology booming in popularity since the 1980s. Dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth, from a single tooth to an entire set.
As a popular alternative to traditional dentures for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the tooth replacement method of choice due to their longevity and overall value-for-money.
While all dentists will have some knowledge and training with dental implants, it is important to remember that Implantology is not a specialization of dentistry (specializations require 2 or more years of postdoctoral education). This means that a dentist emphasizing a focus on dental implants will most likely have chosen to offer Implantology because of their interest in this area.
However, because of the rapid growth in this area of dentistry, if any areas are to be officially recognized as a specialization, then Implantology will be a likely candidate.
Dental implants are sophisticated dental devices made of 3 main parts:
– Implant – a screw-like device which is implanted into the jawbone, forming the ‘root’ of a replacement tooth
– Abutment – the piece that connects the replacement tooth to the implant
– Crown – the custom-made replacement tooth
While Implantologists and most General Dentists are able to perform all aspects of Implantology, there are occasions where the implant and the crown are placed by different types of dentist.
The surgical placement of the implant itself is usually performed by:
– Periodontists
– Oral Surgeons
– Prosthodontists
– General Dentists
Whereas the placement of the crown is completed by:
– Prosthodontists
– General Dentists