Considering dental implant surgery and exploring which type of oral health specialist to work with? You’re not alone. Periodontists, oral surgeons, and even some general dentists offer implant procedures, leaving many patients wondering which option is the best fit based on their particular needs and oral health goals.
At Doctors Implants, we often receive inquiries about the differences between periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons for implant placement, which is why we’ve created this post to help patients make the most informed decision possible. Still have further questions after reading the information below? Contact us directly to schedule a free consultation with our world-class team!
Primary Differences Between Oral Surgeons And Periodontists
Periodontists and oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are both oral health specialists who undergo years of advanced education after completing dental school. While both receive extensive training in implantology (the branch of dentistry that focuses on dental implant procedures), these specialties differ from each other in the following ways:
Scope Of Work
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the hard and soft tissues of the mouth: The teeth, the gums and other periodontal tissues, and the jawbone. Their scope of work involves a combination of preventative care, surgical, and cosmetic procedures, including:
- Gum surgeries (gum grafting, flap surgery)
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting
- Root planing and scaling
- Extractions
- Crown lengthening
Unlike periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons do not specifically treat the gums and periodontal tissues. Instead, their broader scope of work involves managing diseases and injuries involving the head, neck, jaw, and facial region through a wide range of specialized surgical procedures. These can include:
- Complex tooth extractions (e.g. wisdom teeth)
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Removal of tumors in the jaw, neck, or facial region
- Repair and reconstruction following traumatic injuries to the jaw
- Facial cosmetic procedures
- Dental implants
Training And Education
Periodontists complete a minimum 3-year residency program following dental school, after which they become eligible to pursue board certification in periodontics through the American Board of Periodontology. Periodontal training focuses on gaining expertise in the health of the structures that support the teeth, primarily the gums and jawbone.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a 3 to 6-year residency program following dental school (the exact length of time may vary depending on the specific program or state), after which they become eligible to pursue board certification in oral surgery through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Additionally, some oral surgeons choose to pursue a medical degree (MD) alongside their oral surgery certification, as is the case for many of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Doctors Implants.
Experience With Anesthesia
Periodontists are trained to administer local anesthesia, and some may also be qualified to administer mild sedation for procedures like dental implants or gum surgery. In contrast, oral surgeons specialize in performing surgical interventions and possess a high level of training and proficiency in the administration of all types of anesthesia, including all levels of sedation and general anesthesia.
How Do Oral Surgeons And Periodontists Differ From General Dentists?
General dentists are primary oral healthcare providers who diagnose, treat, and manage a broad spectrum of oral health concerns. They commonly perform procedures including routine check-ups, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, simple extractions, teeth whitening, the fitting of dental appliances, and more.
Most general dentists receive basic implantology training in dental school and may offer implant services, but many prefer to refer patients to a periodontist or oral surgeon, especially in cases involving jawbone loss, gum disease, multiple missing teeth, or other complicating factors. Ultimately, oral and maxillofacial surgeons possess the highest level of expertise when it comes to complex cases such as these.
The Maxillofacial Surgeons At Doctors Implants Have Extensive Experience With Complex Cases
Which specialist should you choose for your dental implant procedure? In the end, it comes down to the skill, experience, and expertise of the individual performing your surgery, and defining the future of your oral health and smile.
Every one of our board-certified surgeons and world-class restorative doctors is passionate about dental implants and has undergone extensive training to master cutting-edge implantology skills and techniques. Our exceptionally high level of expertise allows us to consistently take on even the most complex implant cases with success.Ready to take the first step toward the healthy, stunning smile of your dreams with our dental implant specialists? Schedule your free consultation today at a Doctors Implants location near you!