Dental implants are by far the most aesthetically pleasing and durable option for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they restore the patient’s ability to eat all of their favorite foods, but they also allow them to speak without difficulty, unlike traditional dentures. The outcome of a dental implant procedure highly depends on the qualification, training, and skill of the dental professional.
When people are considering getting their missing teeth replaced with dental implants and they are unsure of whether to visit an oral surgeon or a periodontist for this purpose, then here is the difference between how an oral surgeon and a periodontist places dental implants in In Voorhees Township, NJ.
What Is The Difference Between An Oral Surgeon And A Periodontist?
Before discussing how oral surgeons and periodontists place dental implants in Voorhees Township, NJ, the specific differences between what a periodontist and an oral surgeon are must be broken down.
What Is A Periodontist?
As per the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), a periodontist is a dental specialist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases involving the structures surrounding the teeth: the gums, periodontal tissues, and the supporting jawbone.
The AAP also mentions surgical implant placements as one of the primary roles of a periodontist. Like oral surgeons, periodontists have to undergo three to four years of additional clinical training to be recognized as periodontal specialists.
What Is An Oral Surgeon?
According to the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS), an oral surgeon is a dental professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of disease and injuries related to the head, neck, jaws, and facial region.
In addition to the dental training to receive their DMD/DDS, oral surgeons must undergo an additional three to four years of specialized training to become specialists in their field.
People would normally go to an oral surgeon in the case of a jawbone fracture, soft tissue injury, or for the treatment of oral swellings and tumors. So, oral surgeons are primarily trained to treat dental problems surgically.
Why Are Periodontists Considered The Dental Specialist To See For Dental Implants?
In order to understand why a periodontist is considered the best specialist for dental implants in Voorhees Township, NJ, we must first understand what a dental implant is and how it works.
What Is A Dental Implant And How Does It Work?
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), a dental implant is a screw-shaped fixture inserted into the jawbone.
Over time, the implant becomes fused – and firmly embedded – within the jawbone and serves as a replacement that supports the artificial teeth.
This ability of the titanium dental implants to become fused with surrounding jawbone tissue (also known as osseointegration) is the reason behind the excellent success rate of dental implants, as they are embedded into the jawbone just like the natural teeth.
Research has shown that the higher the degree of osseointegration (bone formation around the implants), the higher the success rate and longevity of dental implants.
At the same time, if there is an underlying infection in the gums or the jawbone, it can severely affect the clinical outcome of the dental implant procedure and may even lead to implant failure.
In short, the success of dental implants depends, among other factors, mainly on the patient’s gum and periodontal health.
So, this is where a periodontist becomes useful. Since periodontists specialize in taking care of patients’ periodontal health, they will thoroughly examine their teeth, gums, and jawbones before planning a dental implant procedure.
If the periodontist finds any underlying periodontal problems, they will completely eradicate it first so that the underlying bone is healthy and strong enough to anchor an implant firmly – and allows it to support the artificial teeth attached to it.
At the Advanced Oral Specialty Group office, Dr. Alan Meltzer is a Board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology – the only American Dental Association Accredited Board for Implant Dentistry, Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration.
Dr. Meltzer has received his training from some of the most prestigious universities in the world, such as the #1 Ranked Dental School in the World – the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; the #1 Periodontics program in the US – Boston University; and one of the top dental schools in the US for his Dental Degree – the University of Pennsylvania.
While oral surgeons specialize in the surgical side of dentistry, a periodontist has advanced surgical training in implant dentistry, and is trained to improve oral health less invasively and without the need for advanced surgical procedures.
Even if someone requires a bone grafting procedure or a sinus lift procedure before their dental implants are placed, a periodontist has received extensive surgical training to perform bone grafting, sinus lifts, tooth extractions, perform the placement of dental implants, and every aspect of the dental Implant surgery and treatment – beyond that of a traditional oral surgeon.
In dentistry – to be more specific, implant dentistry – there is no dental specialist better trained or qualified than a periodontist when it comes to expertly placing dental implants. So, for anyone in need of getting their teeth replaced with dental implants, they should consider visiting a periodontal specialist!
The Role Of Sedation Dentistry When Dental Implants Are Placed In A Periodontist’s Office
If patients feel hesitant about undergoing their dental implant placement procedure, even when they go to a skilled periodontist, sedation dentistry can help. An advanced periodontist uses sedation dentistry to give patients a more positive overall procedure experience. Sedation dentistry at a trained periodontist’s office comes in the forms of nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation to soothe and relax patients.
Not only is sedation dentistry effective, but it is a safe way to improve a patients smile with dental implants if fear is holding them back.
How Does An Experienced Periodontist Strategically Place Dental Implants In Voorhees Township, NJ?
After treating the patient with a personalized amount of sedation dentistry, the periodontist will begin the dental implant procedure process. In order to give patients accurate dental implant placements, the periodontist will use the latest dental technologies. Advanced technologies improve the chances of a successful treatment and the patient will have a faster healing time.
What types of dental technologies can the periodontist use to place dental implants? One is a 3D computer-aided guide. The guide is created based on the patient’s personalized images, including CBCT (cone-beam CT) scans. By following the guide, the periodontist can more accurately place implants precisely where they need to go for maximum osseointegration (bone fusion), recovery, and stability.
A huge benefit to working with a periodontist who values the use of advanced technologies, is that patients are often able to receive a temporary prosthesis right after surgery. The result? An instant smile and zero waiting time!
What Is My Dental Implant Procedure Outcome When I Go To A Credentialed And Expert Periodontist?
When placed by an experienced periodontist who has a history of helping people restore their oral health and function, dental implants offer plenty of advantages. The procedure advantages that come with getting dental implants placed by a periodontist include:
Lasting Return On Investment:
Because dental implants are permanent, they pay for themselves over time. Not only do they resolve and correct missing tooth problems, but they improve patients’ social lives by boosting confidence, strengthening the jaw, and eliminating daily tooth and gum pain.
Complete Return Of Chewing And Speaking Functionality:
Dental implants enable patients to eat the foods they may have avoided because of missing teeth or wearing dentures. Plus, dental implants eliminate tooth gaps, making it easier to speak clearly and concisely.
Natural-Looking Outcomes:
The materials available to custom design and make final prosthetics (restorations) for dental implant wearers are second-to-none. A highly credentialed periodontist wil always opt to use leading-edge materials that look completely natural.
Gives Holistic Procedure Outcomes:
Dental issues can have a negative effect on a person’s entire body. Since dental implants bring back a patient’s dental health, they lower their chances of developing infections like gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to everything from greater risk of cardiovascular disease, to the diagnosis of certain cancers. When people’s mouths are in great shape, their body is in better shape as well.
Come To Our Periodontist Now To Get Your Dental Implants Placed
When you have one or more missing teeth, you should go to our state-of-the-art periodontist to get your dental implants placed. Why wait to improve the health, beauty, and function of your smile? Get in contact with Dr. Alan Meltzer and our quality team at our Advanced Oral Specialty Group office to schedule an appointment today!
