The procedure of placing a dental implant requires a two step process. Usually two separate dental practitioners complete each step.  This means that the implant is placed in one office and the implant supported crown, bridge or denture is completed at another.  In some instances a well-trained general dentist can perform both procedures.  This can be appealing to many patients because they are familiar with the staff and the dental office environment. When you search for a dental implant dentist in your area, review the expertise line in the dentist profile section to see if the dentist places implants, restores implants or places and restores implants.  Share your thoughts on your experience with dental implants in our dental blog.

A surgical placement of a dental implant is the first step in the overall procedure. This part is usually performed by an oral surgeon, periodontist or an extensively trained general dentist.  Click on the link to review the step by step implant placement procedure from initial consultation to placement of the final crown, dental bridge or denture.

Depending upon the location of implant placement (i.e. front tooth) sometimes a temporary crown can be placed to improve the esthetic appearance.  In the case of multiple implants a denture can be used to provide the patient with a pleasing appearance until the dental implants are ready to be restored. These procedures are usually completed by the surgeon or the general dentist.

On occasion a permanent crown can be placed almost immediately.  This is done only for esthetic purposes and chewing should be delayed until the surgical site has healed and the implant has completely fused with bone.

The second part consists of fabricating a crown, bridge, or denture, which will be supported by the implant(s).  This is usually done by a general dentist or a prosthodontist. General dentists can complete most cases.  Prosthodontists will handle more complex cases or those demanding a high level of esthetic expectations. 
Taking an impression of the area and placing the final prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) are the two steps completed during the second part.