Who does dental implants? Dental Guide by 2026

Quick Answer: Who Does Dental Implants? Dental implants are typically placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, or general dentists with advanced training in implantology.

Dental implants are a specialized dental treatment performed by trained professionals in the field of restorative and surgical dentistry. Because the procedure involves placing a titanium or zirconia post into the jawbone, it requires both surgical precision and prosthetic planning. Several types of dental specialists can be involved in providing dental implant treatment, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s oral health condition. If you are asking who does dental implants, the answer often depends on your specific needs.

Who Does Dental Implants?

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – Specialists in surgical procedures, including complex implant placements and bone grafting.

• Periodontists – Experts in gum health and implant placement, particularly for cases involving soft tissue.

• Prosthodontists – Specialists in restoring and replacing teeth, often handling the prosthetic phase of implants.

• General Dentists – Many general dentists place implants after completing additional training in implantology.

Each specialist brings unique skills, and the choice depends on your specific needs. Always verify their qualifications and experience.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have a remarkably high success rate, often cited at over 95% for single-tooth replacements. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million people in the U.S. have implants, and that number grows by 500,000 annually. Long-term studies show that implants can last 20 years or more with proper care. Factors influencing success include bone density, oral hygiene, and overall health. For example, smokers and those with uncontrolled diabetes may have lower success rates. However, with careful patient selection and expert placement, implant failure is rare. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research (2018) reported a 10-year survival rate of 95% for implant-supported crowns. Always ask your dentist for their personal success rates and any practice statistics they can share.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

While dental implants are highly successful, they are not without risks. Common complications include:

• Infection at the implant site, minimized with good oral hygiene and antibiotic prophylaxis.

• Nerve damage, which may cause numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or chin. This is rare and often temporary.

• Sinus problems when implants in the upper jaw protrude into sinus cavities.

• Implant failure due to poor bone integration, often linked to smoking, certain medications, or systemic conditions.

Serious complications are uncommon, but it's essential to discuss your medical history with your dentist to mitigate risks. Choose a qualified professional who uses advanced imaging and surgical guides to enhance precision and safety.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

The primary professionals who often perform dental implant surgery are oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These specialists are highly trained in surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. They are typically responsible for the surgical placement of the implant fixture into the jawbone. Before booking a specialist, it helps to understand the implant process and what the surgery entails.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four years of dental school plus a four-year surgical residency. They are experts in bone grafting and complex implant placements. When asking who does dental implants for challenging cases, these specialists are often the answer.

• Patients with insufficient bone requiring grafting

• Multiple implant placements

• Full mouth reconstructions

• Cases involving impacted teeth or jaw abnormalities

Their advanced surgical training allows them to manage complications and ensure proper integration of the implant with the bone (a process called osseointegration).

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus on restoring and replacing teeth. While they may not always perform the surgical placement of the implant, they play a crucial role in designing and placing the final crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the implant.

Prosthodontists receive three years of advanced training in crowns, bridges, and implants, making them ideal for complex restorative cases. If you are considering full-mouth rehabilitation, a prosthodontist can be a key member of the team.

• Designing the artificial tooth (crown)

• Ensuring proper bite alignment

• Improving aesthetics and function

• Planning full-mouth rehabilitation cases

In many modern implant cases, prosthodontists work closely with oral surgeons to ensure the implant not only functions well but also looks natural. A highly trained prosthodontist can easily answer how long does a dental implant procedure take for your specific case.

Implant Dentists (General Dentists with Special Training)

Many general dentists also perform dental implant procedures after completing additional training or certification in implant dentistry. These dentists are often called implant dentists.

General dentists who place implants should have a valid dental license and ideally be certified by recognized boards, such as the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID) or equivalent international bodies. For straightforward cases, a well-trained general dentist can be the answer to who does dental implants.

• Single tooth implants

• Straightforward implant cases

• Initial consultation and treatment planning

• Post-operative care and follow-up

In simpler cases where the bone structure is healthy and no additional surgical procedures are required, a well-trained general dentist can safely place and restore dental implants. Choosing a board-certified periodontist is the best way to ensure are dental implants safe and successful.

Periodontists

Periodontists specialize in the health of gums and supporting bone structures. Since dental implants rely heavily on healthy gums and jawbone, periodontists are often involved in the treatment process.

Periodontists undergo three additional years of training after dental school. They often place implants and manage soft tissue around them. For patients with gum disease or bone loss, a periodontist may be the right professional for the job.

• Treating gum disease before implant placement

• Performing bone grafting or gum tissue management

• Ensuring long-term implant stability

Beyond a dental degree, implantologists often pursue additional certifications. Recognized programs include the Implant Dentistry Certification from the ICOI, the Misch International Implant Institute, and the gIDE/UCLA Implant Continuum. In Turkey, dentists may complete advanced courses in implantology accredited by the Turkish Dental Association. When choosing a provider, ask about their specific training and any continuing education they've completed.

Dental Implant Treatment Teams

In many modern dental practices, dental implants are not performed by a single specialist alone. Instead, a team approach is used. This may include:

• A surgeon for implant placement

• A prosthodontist for restoration

• A general dentist for coordination and follow-up care

This collaborative approach improves success rates and ensures both functional and aesthetic outcomes. This collaborative approach helps answer the question of who does dental implants in complex cases.

Example of Modern Treatment Settings

In advanced dental centers such as Vitrin Clinic, implant procedures are typically managed by a coordinated team of implant specialists. The process is carefully planned using digital imaging, 3D scans, and computer-guided surgery techniques. This helps increase accuracy, reduce healing time, and improve long-term results for patients. Make sure your chosen doctor is familiar with what are the 3 types of dental implants available.

For instance, Sarah from the UK shares, "I was nervous about getting implants, but the team at Vitrin Clinic in Istanbul made me feel at ease. The process was smoother than I expected, and now I can eat and smile with confidence." Another patient, John from the U.S., says, "I traveled to Turkey for a full-mouth rehabilitation. The care was exceptional, and I saved over 50% compared to quotes back home."

Consider the case of a 55-year-old male patient who presented with multiple missing teeth and severe bone loss. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Rifaat Al-Samman and his team at Vitrin Clinic planned an All-on-4 implant rehabilitation. Using digital smile design and 3D imaging, they placed four implants in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw, attaching fixed prostheses. The entire process took three days, and the patient reported minimal discomfort. Six months later, follow-up X-rays showed excellent osseointegration, and the patient expressed immense satisfaction with his new smile.

Here are a few reviews from international patients:

• "I had 6 implants placed at Vitrin Clinic. The team was professional and caring. The result is amazing!" – Maria, Spain

• "From the first consultation to the final crown, everything was seamless. Highly recommend." – James, Canada

• "I was hesitant about traveling for dental work, but the clinic's coordination made it easy. The quality exceeded my expectations." – Ahmed, UAE

Average Cost of Dental Implants in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for dental implant treatments due to its combination of high-quality care and affordable pricing. The average cost of a single dental implant in Turkey generally ranges between:

• $350 to $900 per implant for standard cases

• Full mouth implant treatments can range from $4,000 to $10,000+, depending on the number of implants and materials used

The cost can vary based on:

• Type of implant material (titanium or zirconia)

• Need for bone grafting or sinus lifting

• Number of implants required

• Complexity of the case

• Technology used in planning and surgery

Even with these variations, dental implants in Turkey are significantly more affordable compared to many European countries or the United States, where the same procedure can cost two to four times more. For comparison, in the United States, a single implant can cost between $3,000 and $4,500, while in the UK, prices range from £2,000 to £3,000. In contrast, countries like Turkey, Hungary, and Mexico offer implants for $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth, including the crown. For example, in Istanbul, a full-mouth rehabilitation with implants might cost $10,000–$15,000, compared to $40,000–$60,000 in the U.S. However, lower costs may not include travel, accommodation, or follow-up care. It's essential to factor in these expenses and ensure the clinic meets international standards.

Conclusion

Dental implants are performed by a range of highly trained professionals, including oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, and specially trained general dentists. In many cases, the best results come from a team approach where each specialist contributes to a different stage of the treatment. Clinics such as Vitrin Clinic use this collaborative model to ensure precision, safety, and natural-looking results. With Turkey offering competitive prices and advanced dental technology, it has become a leading destination for patients seeking high-quality implant treatments at more accessible costs. Understanding who does dental implants helps you make an informed choice. Our in-house experts are highly affordable; check the Vitrin clinic specialists cost to book a consultation today.

Trusted Resources

For further reading, we recommend the following authoritative sources:

• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)

• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)

• American Dental Association (ADA)

This article was written by the editorial team at Vitrin Clinic, with contributions from Dr. Rifaat Al-Samman, a general and aesthetic dentist with over a decade of experience in implantology and dental tourism. Dr. Al-Samman leads a multidisciplinary team and has successfully treated patients from around the world. His expertise ensures that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified dental professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. We respect your privacy; any personal information you share with us is protected according to our privacy policy.