Can A General Dentist Set An Implant? -

When you decide to get a dental implant, you are entering a world of specialists. You hear terms like oral surgeon, periodontist, and prosthodontist. It is easy to feel confused about who does what. Amidst all this specialization, a common question arises: “Can my regular dentist do this?”

The answer is yes, a general dentist can legally place a dental implant. In most jurisdictions, dental implants are considered a procedure within the scope of general dentistry. A general dentist is not required to have a specialty license to perform the surgery.

However, as with any medical procedure, the legal ability to perform it does not automatically equate to the skill and experience to perform it well. This guide will explore the role of the general dentist in implant placement, the differences between a general dentist and a specialist, and how to make an informed decision about who should perform your surgery.

Table of Contents

The Legal and Educational Landscape

In dental school, all students are introduced to the theory of dental implants. They learn about the materials and the basic principles. However, the average dental school curriculum does not provide extensive, hands-on training in surgical implant placement.

This means that a newly graduated general dentist is usually not competent to place implants. They must seek out post-graduate continuing education.

The quality of this continuing education varies wildly.

A weekend course: A dentist takes a short course, often on a plastic model or a pig jaw, and receives a certificate. This is the lowest level of training. It provides a basic introduction but not mastery.
A mini-residency: A more rigorous program lasting several weeks to months. It includes live patient treatment under supervision. This is a much higher level of training.
Fellowships and Masterships: Organizations like the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) offer advanced credentialing. A dentist with a Fellowship has completed hundreds of hours of education and has documented successful cases.

The Difference in Daily Practice

The main difference between a general dentist and a specialist is volume and focus.

The General Dentist:

Their day is filled with a variety of procedures: fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals, and cleanings.
They may place one or two implants a month.
Their experience is broad but shallow.

The Specialist (Oral Surgeon or Periodontist):

Their day is focused on surgery.
They may place dozens of implants a week.
They have seen every possible complication and know how to manage them.

The “Architect” vs. “Builder” Analogy
A general dentist who focuses on restorative care is often the “architect.” They design the final result. They know where the crown needs to be. A specialist is the “builder.” They handle the surgical foundation. In many cases, the best outcomes come from this team approach.

When is a General Dentist a Good Choice?

A general dentist can be an excellent choice for implant placement under the right circumstances.

1. The Case is Simple
The patient has good bone volume and density. The implant is being placed in a straightforward location, away from critical structures like nerves and sinuses.

2. The Dentist Has High Volume
Some general dentists are very passionate about implants. They have taken extensive training and place implants every week. They are “general dentists” by title but operate like specialists.

3. The Dentist Has Advanced Credentials
Look for a dentist with a Fellowship in the ICOI or AAID. This demonstrates a serious commitment to the field.

4. The Dentist is Honest About Their Limits
A good general dentist will recognize when a case is too complex for their skill level. They will refer you to a specialist for the surgery and then restore the implant themselves.

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should consider a specialist if your case is complex.

Significant Bone Loss: You need a bone graft.
Sinus Proximity: The implant is in the upper back jaw, close to the sinus cavity.
Nerve Proximity: The implant is in the lower back jaw, close to the inferior alveolar nerve.
Medical Complications: You have uncontrolled diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or a history of radiation to the jaw.
Need for IV Sedation: Specialists are more likely to offer this level of sedation.

The Most Important Question to Ask

Whether you choose a general dentist or a specialist, the most important question is not “Are you allowed to do this?” but rather “How much experience do you have?”

You have every right to ask:

“How many implants have you placed in your career?”
“How many do you place per year?”
“What is your success rate?”
“What advanced training have you completed?”
“What happens if there is a complication?”

A confident, honest provider will answer these questions without hesitation. If a dentist is evasive or dismissive, that is a red flag.

The Benefit of the Team Approach

In many cases, the best-case scenario is a team approach. Your general dentist is the quarterback. They diagnose the problem, design the treatment plan, and make the final crown. They refer you to a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for the surgical placement of the implant.

This allows you to get the best of both worlds: the surgical skill of a specialist and the restorative expertise of your general dentist. You are not just getting a dentist; you are getting a team.

Conclusion

Can a general dentist set an implant? Yes, they can. But the more important question is whether they should for your specific case. For a simple case with a well-trained, experienced dentist, the answer is yes. For a complex case, the expertise of a specialist is invaluable. Do not be afraid to ask about your dentist’s experience and training. You are hiring them for a surgical procedure, and you deserve to know their qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it cheaper to get an implant from a general dentist?
A: Often, yes. General dentists typically charge slightly less than specialists. However, for complex cases, the potential cost of complications can outweigh the initial savings. The priority should be the skill of the provider.

Q: Can a general dentist perform a bone graft?
A: Some general dentists perform minor bone grafts. However, complex grafts (like block grafts or sinus lifts) are usually referred to a specialist.

Q: What is an AAID credential?
A: The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) offers credentials to dentists who demonstrate advanced training and clinical competence. An AAID Fellow has passed rigorous exams and submitted cases for review.

Q: Should I be worried if my general dentist wants to place my implant?
A: Not automatically. Ask them about their experience. If they have placed hundreds of implants and have good credentials, they may be perfectly qualified. It is your job to do your due diligence.

Q: Who makes the crown for the implant?
A: The crown is typically made by a general dentist or a prosthodontist. This is the restorative phase of the treatment. It is a separate skill from the surgical placement.

Additional Resource:
To find a dentist with advanced implant credentials near you, you can use the “Find a Dentist” tool on the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) website: https://www.aaid.com/