Summary
While both regular dentists and implant dentists are trained to care for your teeth, their focus and expertise differ significantly.
The Difference Between a Regular Dentist and an Implant Dentist
When considering dental care, many patients are familiar with the term “dentist,” but the distinction between a regular dentist and an implant dentist can be less clear. Both types of dental professionals have similar foundational education, but their areas of expertise and scope of practice can vary significantly, especially when it comes to specialized procedures like dental implants. Understanding these differences is crucial for patients seeking the right treatment for their oral health needs.
This article will break down the key differences between a regular dentist and an implant dentist, explaining their roles, the treatments they provide, and how their approaches to dental care differ, particularly when it comes to dental implants.
Regular Dentists: A General Approach
A regular dentist, also referred to as a general dentist, is a professional who provides a broad range of dental care. They are typically the first line of defense when it comes to maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues. Regular dentists focus on general care that includes:
- Routine check-ups and cleanings: General dentists help patients maintain good oral hygiene by performing bi-annual cleanings and oral exams.
- Fillings and cavity treatment: Regular dentists treat cavities by removing decayed portions of the tooth and restoring the tooth with a filling.
- Tooth extractions: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair or causing crowding, general dentists may perform simple extractions.
- Crowns and bridges: Regular dentists can restore damaged teeth with crowns or replace missing teeth using bridges.
- Teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments: General dentists may offer basic cosmetic services to improve the appearance of the teeth.
While general dentists are highly skilled in these areas, most do not specialize in advanced surgical procedures, including dental implant surgery. For complex treatments like implants, they may refer patients to experts who have more experience in the surgical and restorative phases of implant dentistry.
Implant Dentists: Specialized in Dental Implants
An implant dentist, often called an implantologist, focuses on the placement and restoration of dental implants. Although they are also trained as general dentists, implant dentists have chosen to concentrate their practice on dental implant treatments. This specialized training allows them to handle the intricacies of both the surgical and restorative phases of implant procedures.
Dental implants require a more advanced skill set compared to general dentistry. Implants involve the surgical insertion of titanium posts into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth, followed by the placement of prosthetic teeth (crowns) on these posts. Implant dentists, like Dr. Khazian, are well-versed in both the surgical and restorative phases of implantology, offering a seamless, comprehensive approach to this complex treatment.
The Two Phases of Dental Implant Treatment
Implant dentistry can be broken down into two main phases: the surgical phase and the restorative phase.
- Surgical Phase:
- This is the phase in which the dental implant, a titanium post, is surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone to replace a missing tooth’s root.
- During this procedure, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone, drills a small hole, and carefully places the implant into the bone.
- The implant dentist ensures that the implant is positioned correctly for optimal support of the prosthetic tooth that will be attached later.
- Restorative Phase:
- This phase usually takes place after the implant has fully integrated with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which can take several months.
- Once the implant is stable, the dentist attaches an abutment, a small connector that holds the prosthetic tooth (crown) in place.
- The final step is creating a custom-made crown that matches the shape, color, and size of the patient’s natural teeth. The crown is then secured onto the abutment, completing the implant procedure.
Some dentists, such as oral surgeons or periodontists, specialize only in the surgical phase of the implant process. They may then refer patients to a general dentist or prosthodontist for the restorative phase. However, implant dentists like Dr. Khazian perform both phases, offering patients a one-stop solution for their implant needs. This comprehensive approach can enhance continuity of care and make the process smoother and more convenient for patients.
Dr. Khazian’s Approach to Implant Dentistry
Dr. Khazian, a skilled implant dentist, has gradually shifted his practice toward implant dentistry. While he still offers general dental care, over 80% of his practice is focused on dental implants. This specialization enables him to provide expert care throughout both the surgical and restorative phases of the implant process, making him a well-rounded dental implantologist.
Unlike general dentists who may not have extensive experience with implants, Dr. Khazian’s practice is centered around the unique demands of implant patients. His knowledge and expertise allow him to offer personalized, high-quality implant care, ensuring that patients receive both precise surgical implantation and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
It’s important to note that implant dentists like Dr. Khazian are not experts in the traditional sense (such as orthodontists or periodontists) but are instead dentists who have chosen to focus their practice on implants. The title “implantologist” reflects the depth of their experience and expertise in this particular area of dentistry.
Key Differences Summarized
- Scope of Practice: While a regular dentist offers a wide range of general dental care, an implant dentist focuses specifically on dental implants and related surgical procedures.
- Expertise: General dentists may perform routine tooth extractions and restorations but typically do not handle surgical procedures like placing implants. Implant dentists have the training and experience to perform both the surgical insertion of implants and the restoration of the prosthetic teeth.
- Patient Care: Implant dentists like Dr. Khazian often provide a more streamlined experience for patients needing implants, as they can handle the entire process in-house rather than referring patients out for different phases of the treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, while both regular dentists and implant dentists are trained to care for your teeth, their focus and expertise differ significantly. If you’re seeking routine dental care or basic restorations, a general dentist will likely meet your needs. However, if you require dental implants, an implant dentist like Dr. Khazian can provide the specialized care and experience necessary to ensure a successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome. By choosing an implant dentist who performs both the surgical and restorative phases, you can benefit from comprehensive treatment under one roof.