Dental implants are fast becoming the preferred method of replacing missing teeth. One study estimates that by 2026, 23% of people with missing teeth might have them replaced with dental implants \u2014 a significant increase from the .7% prevalence found between 1999 and 2000.<\/p>\n
In recent years more general dentists have been placing an increasingly higher proportion of dental implants each year. However, not all dentists and dental implant patients are created equal. Even general dentists that feel comfortable placing one dental implant may refer a more complex case to a periodontist. A periodontist is also perfectly suited to augment the bone and gums at the site of the missing tooth if not enough tissue exists.<\/p>\n
Some research indicates that even for simpler dental implant procedures, a specialist may be the preferred option. When researchers compared the success rate of dental implants placed by general dentists to those placed by a specialist, they found a lower success rate with general dentists.<\/p>\n