While dental patients can see nearly any dentist for dental implant surgery, there’s something to be said for choosing dentists specializing in dental implants. Most patients will decide based on their convenience—as it fits their budget, schedule, and the availability of dentists they already know. Still, it helps to know which types of dentists they can trust to do a good job when it comes to dental implants:

• General dentist – A general dentist typically attends continuing education courses later in their career to learn how to place dental implants. They may not have the in-depth knowledge needed for more complex surgical cases.
• Cosmetic dentist – A cosmetic dentist focuses more on the aesthetic side of dentistry. Though skilled in restoring dental implants, they may not have training in dental implant placement unless they’ve completed continuing education courses.
• Periodontist – A periodontist can treat people with severe gum disease or bone loss before placing dental implants.
• Prosthodontist – Prosthodontists are skilled in aesthetic treatments to ensure natural-looking, functional outcomes. These dental specialists are especially proficient when teeth in a patient’s visible smile need to be replaced.
• Oral surgeon – An oral surgeon has received the most additional training outside dental school. Proficient and highly skilled in dental surgeries, even as recent graduates, an oral surgeon is the most qualified dentist to place dental implants.