What is the Difference between an Implantologist and General Dentist

There are many types of dentists. The most common ones include: general dentist, cosmetic dentist, orthodontist, and prosthodontists.

While a general dentist is trained to handle all your routine checkups and procedures such as minor maintenance, deep cleaning, dental fillings, or scaling and polishing. A prosthodontist, also called a dental implant specialist or implantologist, is the one who has extensive training in particular procedures. These procedures revolve around tooth replacement and restoration.

Getting your treatment done by the right physician with an expertise in the area that you need treatment in, means half of your job is already done. To help facilitate that here are the differences you need to know between an implantologist and a general dentist.

Qualifications, Licenses, and Trainings

A general dentist is qualified to do maintenance on teeth. They have completed their four years of graduate dentistry schooling and been awarded either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) doctoral degree. They also obtain a license by passing written and clerical examinations.dental implant specialist near me

An implantologist comes under the category of a prosthodontist, who is a specialist in tooth replacement and restoration. They earn their dental degree then take education a step further and study an additional year or two to gain a specialization in dental implants.

Besides being a trained and licensed professional, in order to be a dental implant specialist, dentists need:

  • 300 hours of education in implant dentistry or a degree from periodontal, oral, or a prosthodontics program
  • Experience in surgical procedures of dental implants
  • Competence in three different types of dental implant cases
  • Pass written and oral implant dentistry exams

Types of Procedures

A general dentist and implantologist perform completely different types of procedures. While an implantologist may also perform general dentistry procedures such as teeth cleaning, polishing, and pulling off rotted roots.  A general dentist cannot perform a dental implants procedure without additional training. General dentists deal in regular procedures of dental care and prevention while an implantologist specifically performs surgical implants. They restore and replace damaged or decaying teeth to improve the function of the mouth through surgical methods such as dentures.

Dental implants generally provide a foundation for the mounting of replaced teeth. The implant is a metal post that is surgically implanted in the jawbone and secured by the gum tissue. A crown is then topped on it to support the replaced tooth. Other procedures implantologists also perform are custom made bridges, crowns, and dentures.

How to Visit a Implantologist

Most people can visit an implantologist when needed, however depending on your insurance a general dentist may need to examine you first and then refer you to an implantologist before you can be treated by them for an implant. You can visit our website here https://axiomimplant.wpenginepowered.com/your-first-visit/ to learn more about what to expect on your first visit. You can also download several forms to print and complete at home. The forms are new patient information, HIPAA acknowledgement and notice of privacy practices. If you have insurance don’t forget to bring your insurance card to receive an affordable dental implant service. It is also recommended to bring your medical and dental history information.

Experience

As stated above Implantologists have more experience and better qualifications then a general dentist. However there are different types of implantologists. Experience and education set apart our dental implant office. Dr. Welebir is Nevada’s first board-certified implant dentist. Dr. Welebir is on the advisory board for a dental implant manufacturer, a fellow at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a Diplomate on the American Board of Oral implantology/Implant Dentistry.

A dental implant specialist performs dental implants all day long. They have more experience and specialization in the field. Thus, it is always safer and best to ask your implantologist their experience, and go to an expert who knows what to do and where to start.

How to Choose the Perfect Dental Implant Specialist

When looking for a dental implant office near you, remember to find the one that has a valid certification, degree, license, and experience. Don’t hesitate in asking about our experience, reviews and success rate here at Axiom.

Axiom is a dental implant specialty dentistry office with implantologists that have years of experience and the certifications necessary for implants and specialty dentistry. All their specialists are professionals with extensive training in the field and high success rates. Find out more about our services at https://axiomimplant.wpenginepowered.com/.