A common question we hear from patients considering dental implants is whether any dentist can place them. It is an important question, because some practices offer implants as one of many general procedures, while others provide a more specialist service. At Vilafortuny in Dubai we believe understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for a treatment meant to last for years.
Look for experience and qualifications
A useful tip when researching a practice is to read the team page. There you should find each clinician's qualifications and, just as importantly, how much experience they have in implant dentistry specifically. Whether a dentist also trains others in the subject is another strong indicator of expertise.
A specialist for dental implants
You can have an implant placed by a general dentist, who may have completed one or more short courses as part of their professional development and will be a competent professional. The key question is how much experience that dentist has in the specialism of placing implants. The alternative is a practice where the dentists placing implants have a long history of training, research, and hands-on experience, often sharing that knowledge through teaching, speaking, and published work.
While many general dentists can confidently manage simple cases, specialisms such as prosthodontics and oral surgery are better suited to complex ones. To be successful and long lasting, an implant must be placed with precision, in a strong bone site, and with an understanding of how it will affect the rest of your natural teeth. In an ideal scenario, patients benefit from an interdisciplinary team where an oral surgeon and prosthodontist work together.
What the specialists do
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon specialises in conditions of the head, neck, face, jaws, and the tissues of the mouth, and is particularly skilled at removing teeth without damaging the surrounding tissues, which matters when preparing an implant site. A prosthodontist is a specialist dentist with several years of additional training, equipped to handle complex restorations including implants and full-mouth reconstruction to the highest standard.
How a specialist approaches your treatment
A specialist begins by building a comprehensive picture of your dental needs, oral and bone health, and desired outcome. This involves dental impressions and a cone beam CT scan for a 3D view, followed by careful planning of the implant type, any additional procedures such as bone grafts, and the precise placement, all while avoiding nerves and blood vessels and ensuring a natural look and comfortable function.
Why experience matters
Implant dentistry is an investment in your future smile, so choosing an experienced specialist who can draw on a wealth of training and a range of options is a wise decision. Experienced implant dentists are often members of professional implant organisations, invited to speak about their cases, and committed to ongoing advanced training and fellowships. During your initial consultation, you are welcome to ask about your dentist's experience, the treatment they recommend, and the options available.
Experienced implant care at Vilafortuny, Dubai
Established in Dubai since 2006, Vilafortuny brings together specialist expertise across implant dentistry. To book a consultation, contact Vilafortuny on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai.
