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What kind of dentist is best for performing an implant? We cannot make a recommendation for you, but below you will find a description of the major types of dentists by specialties.
Prosthodontist
Consider the Prosthodontist. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, they are a “dentist that specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Most prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school in a program accredited by the American Dental Association based either at a hospital or a university. …..
…Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures, and dental implants. In addition to restoring dental implants with restorations, many prosthodontists are surgically placing implants as well. ”
Periodontist
The next specialist is a Periodontist. According to Wikipedia, ” A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases and conditions of the periodontium. Periodontists have additional training in the specialty after obtaining their dental license. Periodontists specialize in the management of patients with periodontitis, gum recession, and surgical placement of implants.”
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A further specialist is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS). According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, “… are dental specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. Their training includes a four-year graduate degree in dentistry and the completion of a minimum four-year hospital surgical residency program.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons care for patients who experience such conditions as problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. They treat accident victims suffering facial injuries, offer reconstructive and dental implants surgery, …..”
General Dental practitioners. Supported by supplemental courses/training, often offered by manufacturers, many general practitioners now offer implant services.
Manufacturers of Dental Implants
One of the most important decisions that accompany dental implants is not only the physician /specialist but also the kind of implant. Or in other words the manufacturer of the Implant. Below is information on some of the market leaders.
Nobel Biocare
This company is one of the leaders in esthetic dental solutions. They offer an integrated solution of crowns, bridges, and dental implants, including the trademarked “Beautiful Teeth Now™ ” This is the company that was part of the original commercialization of the implant by Brånemark, who pioneered the dental implant.
Website: www.nobelbiocare.com
Straumann Group
Another global leader in implant and restorative dentistry and oral tissue regeneration. They recently entered the fast-growing field of restorative dentistry through the acquisition of Ektron. This provides them with technology in the CAD/CAM aspect of tooth replacement. Accuracy and precision are vital to tooth replacement and computer-assisted design (CAD) has a big impact on success rates. Website: www.straumann.com
Biomet 3i
Implant Innovations® Inc (3i) was founded in 1987. In 1999 Biomet ® Inc acquired 3i. Today Biomet 3i is one of the leading U.S.-based implant manufacturers. Their leading-edge product as of today is the NanoTite™ Implant. Website: www.3i-online.com
Zimmer Dental
Manufacturer markets and distributes implantable products for oral rehabilitation. Zimmer is another U.S.-based manufacturer. ( ps Zimmer if you are reading this your site navigation has serious problems with all the needed second clicks to get anywhere)
Website: www.zimmerdental.com
Sargon® Dental Implants
Their website informs us they are the first FDA Approved Dental Implant System for immediate loading. This is a system whereby the implant surgeon can actually expand the implant after placement thereby providing immediate load capability. Website: www.sargondentalimplants.com
Astra Tech (a division of Astra Zeneca Group)
Implants were developed & designed n biological and biomechanical principles. Recently acquired CAD/CAM company Atlantis Components Inc. Website: www.astratechusa.com
Biohorizons Implant Systems, Inc.
The company was founded in 1994 and features innovative oral reconstructive devices. They specialize in Dental Implants and Tissue Regeneration. Website: www.biohorizons.com