What is a Dental Implant Specialist Called? Understanding the Experts Who Restore Your Smile

That feeling of hope and worry you have when you think about replacing a missing tooth—or several teeth—is totally normal. Dental implants are one of the biggest improvements in dentistry, but the whole process can seem overwhelming. If you’ve searched “What is a dental implant specialist called?” you’re already making a great move for your smile or a loved one’s. This guide will help, whether you’re just starting to look into it or are hunting for the right person to trust with your teeth.

In This Article

• Who’s Who: What Is a Dental Implant Specialist Actually Called?
• Meet the Main Dental Implant Experts
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Periodontists
• Prosthodontists
• General Dentists and Implant Placement: What You Should Know
• What About “Implantologists?”
• How to Choose the Right Dental Implant Specialist for You
• The Dental Implant Journey: It’s a Team Effort
• Success Rates, Challenges, and The Future of Dental Implants
• Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Specialists
• Your Next Steps: Moving Forward With Confidence

Who’s Who: What Is a Dental Implant Specialist Actually Called?

You might hear lots of different names—from “implantologist” to “oral surgeon” to “periodontist.” No wonder it feels confusing! Let’s explain things simply.

The main dental implant specialists are:

All three have extra training after dental school for implants and related work. There’s no single “implant specialist” title—it’s just a job that these pros do, each with their own skill set.

You might also see “implantologist.” This is not an official title from the American Dental Association (ADA), but it usually means the dentist works a lot with implants or has done more learning in implant dentistry. We’ll talk about this a bit later.

Meet the Main Dental Implant Experts

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

What They Do:

If you think of dental implants like building a house, an oral surgeon is the builder putting in the foundation. Oral surgeons do the most technical parts:

• Placing the titanium (or zirconia) implant posts in your jawbone.
• Doing bone grafts when more bone is needed.
• Handling sinus lifts and more difficult cases.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons finish dental school and then spend at least four to six years doing hospital-based surgical training. They are true surgery experts around the mouth and face.

When to See an Oral Surgeon for Implants:

• If you need a bone graft because of bone loss.
• If the implant site is close to nerves or sinuses.
• For full-mouth or “All-on-4” dental implants.
• If you want the highest level of surgical skill.

Easy example:

Think of an oral surgeon as the “building expert” for your new tooth—they make sure your jaw can hold the new tooth well.

Periodontists

What They Do:

Periodontists are experts in gums and the bone around teeth. They’re not only good at treating gum problems but also make sure implants have a safe and healthy base:

• Treating gum disease before or after implants.
• Doing procedures to repair or rebuild bone and gums.
• Placing implants, especially where gums or bone need extra work.

Periodontists get three more years of training after dental school, mostly on gums and bones that keep teeth and implants in place.

When a Periodontist Might Be Best:

• If you have ongoing gum disease or bone loss from gum problems, a periodontist is your go-to.
• Need special procedures to build up bone or gum?
• Implants in visible places (like front teeth), where how the gum looks matters most.

Example:

Imagine a periodontist as the “yard planner” for your new tooth—they make sure the area around your tooth (gums and bone) is just right for support.

Prosthodontists

What They Do:

Let’s face it; your new tooth should last and should look nice and let you eat without worry! Prosthodontists are great at:

• Designing custom crowns, bridges, or dentures that go on implants.
• Fixing or replacing lots of teeth, handling big smile changes, or tough cases.
• Focusing on how your teeth feel and look.

Prosthodontists train for three more years after dental school. They’re the pros at making teeth look good, feel right, and work well.

When a Prosthodontist Makes Sense:

• If you have lots of missing teeth or want a great-looking result.
• You need strong skills in restoring teeth.
• You have problems with your bite or old dental work failed.

Example:

A prosthodontist is like the “home decorator” for your new tooth—they make sure it looks and works well.

General Dentists and Implant Placement: What You Should Know

Not every implant case is tricky. In simple cases, some general dentists—who have learned more about implants—can both put in and restore dental implants.

Here’s what’s important:

• Does your general dentist have plenty of training in placing implants?
• Are they certified by groups like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) or International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)?
• Will they send you to a specialist if things get complicated?

Many good general dentists work with specialists, sending you to others if needed and staying in charge of your care so your experience is smooth.

Remember:

Always ask about your dentist’s experience, training, and how many implants they’ve done. It’s your smile—don’t be shy!

What About “Implantologists?”

The word “implantologist” pops up, especially in ads. Here’s what’s true: there’s no official “implantologist” specialty by the ADA or most dental boards. It often means:

• The dentist does a lot of dental implant cases.
• They focus their practice or learning on implants.
• They may have awards or more training (like AAID or ICOI).

Some great dentists call themselves implantologists, but the title doesn’t make someone an expert. Always ask for details:

• What certificates do they have?
• How many implants have they done?
• Are they part of any known professional groups?

Helpful tip:

Board certification by groups like the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), American Board of Periodontology, or American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is a great sign—they’ve passed tough tests and been checked by other experts.

How to Choose the Right Dental Implant Specialist for You

So now you know the names. But how do you pick a dental implant specialist you trust?

Good Questions to Ask at Your Appointment

• What is your specialty—oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, or general dentistry?
• What training and certificates do you have for dental implants?
• How many times have you done this treatment?
• What kind of implants and materials do you use (like titanium or zirconia)?
• Do you use digital tools or scans for planning?
• Who actually puts in the implant and who makes the crown?
• What’s your success and complication rate?
• Will I need a bone graft or sinus lift? How often have you done these?
• What happens if there’s a problem after my surgery?
• Can I see pictures or reviews from similar patients?

Things to Think About When Choosing

• Referrals and friends: Ask people you trust, other dentists, or even your regular doctor.
• Online reviews: Not perfect, but can help show what others thought.
• Technology: New tools (like 3D images) often mean safer and better treatment.
• Teamwork: Good specialists work together. Don’t worry if a few experts are involved—it’s a good thing.

What About Cost?

It’s normal to worry whether a specialist costs more. Sometimes yes—it’s because of their skill, equipment, and knowledge. But a well-done dental implant by a real expert is less likely to fail, which can actually save you money, pain, and trouble later on.

The Dental Implant Journey: It’s a Team Effort

You might not expect it, but dental implants usually aren’t done in just one visit. It’s more like building a custom house—a few important steps, each handled by someone with the right skills.

How It Usually Goes

• 3D X-rays (CBCT scans)
• Digital models (sometimes made by a digital dental lab)
• Team planning by all your dental pros

• Taking out a bad tooth if needed
• Bone grafts or sinus lifts if you need a stronger jaw

• An oral surgeon or periodontist puts the implant post into your jaw

• Your bone grows around the implant—kind of like a real tooth root
• Takes a few months

• A connecting piece is placed on top of the implant

• A crown, bridge, or denture is made by a prosthodontist or skilled dentist
• Made with strong materials, sometimes with help from a crown and bridge lab

Working as a team makes sure each step is done right and your teeth look and feel natural.

Success Rates, Challenges, and The Future of Dental Implants

Let’s check out the numbers and facts so you can feel more sure about your choices.

Dental Implants By the Numbers

Cool to know:

Dental implants also help stop bone shrinkage; they’re almost as strong as real roots. When a real expert does the job, implants can last for many years—even your whole life.

The Future Looks Good

New ideas, like super-accurate digital planning, better tools, and improved materials, keep making implants safer and last longer. Good labs, like those focusing on implant dental work, use the latest stuff to help patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Specialists

Can one person do my whole implant treatment?

In easy cases, yes—a well-trained general dentist or prosthodontist can do everything. But most times, it’s better if the right expert handles each step: a surgeon for placing the implant, a prosthodontist or skilled dentist for the crown, and maybe a periodontist for gum health.

Do I always need more than one specialist?

Not every case does. But if you have gum trouble, bone loss, tricky teeth, or want your smile to look perfect, a team really helps.

How is the training different?

• Oral surgeons: 4-6 more years of hospital surgery after dental school. Experts in mouth and jaw surgery.
• Periodontists: 3 extra years focused on gum and bone treatments.
• Prosthodontists: 3 years extra on fixing and designing teeth and making them look good.
• General dentists: Regular dental degree, with extra implant classes.

Are implant specialists more expensive?

Usually, yes, because of their skill and tools. But it often means fewer problems and better results in the end.

If I have bone loss, who should I see?

Start with an oral surgeon or periodontist. Both know how to check your bone, plan for bone grafts, and get your mouth ready for implants.

Your Next Steps: Moving Forward With Confidence

Main Points to Remember

• Dental implant experts can be oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, or specially trained general dentists.
• They each play a key role—from the “building” work to the “finishing touches.”
• There’s no special “implantologist” job title, but what really matters is their training, certificates, and experience.
• Find the right dentist by asking smart questions, checking for good certificates, and seeing if they work with a team.
• Implants work really well and last a long time when done by pros.
• Stay involved—it’s your comfort, confidence, and health on the line.

How to Get Started

• Figure out what’s most important for you: expert surgery? Great looks? Working as a team?
• Make a list of possible specialists near you.
• Use the questions above at your appointment.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of work like yours.
• Get another opinion if you don’t feel sure—good dentists want you to feel happy and confident.

Bonus: Taking Care of Your Dental Implant

Even the best implants need care! Brush and floss every day, don’t use tobacco, and ask about getting your implant cleaned at the dentist. Want to learn more about how implants are made or the materials? Read up on new ideas in zirconia lab or dental ceramic technology.

Taking care of your mouth isn’t just about teeth—it’s about feeling good, being healthy, and showing your best self every time you smile. You’re making smart choices. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and aim for the happy, healthy smile you want.

Sources:

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
• American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

Learn more. Take charge. Smile with pride.