Dental implants can be placed by general dentists with advanced training, periodontists, or oral and maxillofacial surgeons — with the right choice depending on case complexity, whether you want a specialist for surgery and a general dentist for the restoration, or a single provider for both.
Key takeaways
- —Periodontists and oral surgeons have surgical specialty training; general dentists may have advanced implant training separately.
- —Complex cases involving grafting, multiple implants, or significant bone issues generally benefit from specialist involvement.
- —Some patients prefer having surgery done by a specialist and the final crown done by their regular dentist.
- —Who places the implant matters more than which type of provider it is — experience with the specific system proposed is the key criterion.
Understanding the provider types
Periodontists specialize in gum and bone health and have formal surgical training that includes implant placement. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in complex oral surgery and often handle more involved cases. General dentists with advanced implant training increasingly offer the full scope of implant treatment, including placement and restoration, for routine cases.
When a specialist referral makes the most sense
Cases involving significant bone grafting, anatomical complexity (such as proximity to the sinus or nerve canal), multiple simultaneous implants, or prior implant failures generally benefit from specialist involvement, regardless of whether your general dentist also offers implants.
Evaluating any provider regardless of title
Because the specific system and technique experience matters more than the provider's title category, the most useful evaluation questions remain the same: how much direct experience do you have with this specific implant system, and what do your outcomes look like?
Ready to find a provider?
Filter our directory by zirconia availability, technology, and financing options.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a periodontist or an oral surgeon for a zirconia implant?+
Either can be appropriate — the more relevant criterion is which provider has the most direct experience placing the specific zirconia system being proposed for your case, rather than which specialty they trained in.
Can my regular dentist both place and restore my implant?+
Many general dentists with advanced implant training do provide the full scope of care including placement. Whether this is appropriate depends on case complexity and the provider's specific training and volume with the system involved.