If you’re asking who does dental implants, the answer is dentists who’ve taken additional postgraduate training beyond their core dental degree. These dentists are often described as ‘implant dentists’ or ‘implantologists’, but these are informal terms for a dentist focused on implant treatment. It’s worth being aware that they aren’t titles registered by the GDC. 

Dentists who focus on implants are highly skilled and have typically gained extra postgraduate training, such as a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma in dental implants. Most implant dentists are general dentists with this additional training, so they’ll continue seeing patients for other procedures too. In Dr Uzman’s case, however, he focuses mainly on implant treatment.

What is a dental implantologist? 

So, what actually is an implantologist, and is it different to a dentist with a special interest in dental implants? In practice, the two are used interchangeably. When a dentist is described as a dental implantologist, it usually means they’re a highly skilled dentist with a special interest in dental implants. It isn’t a title registered by the GDC. The GDC only recognises a defined list of specialist titles, such as orthodontist or periodontist, and ‘implantologist’ isn’t one of them. Standard dental training does not cover dental implants in depth, and if a dentist lacks the training needed to fit dental implants, they may refer you to another dentist who has.

While dental implants have advanced significantly in recent decades, the field of dental implantology has a lengthy history; according to the Association of Dental Implantology, the first implants may have taken place under the Mayans. 

Dentists or oral surgeons who do dental implants usually have postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees or another specific qualification in implant dentistry. A general dentist with a specialism in dental implants (also known as an implant dentist) will also be experienced in treating patients with other conditions, so will be able to give you advice on cleaning, bite and alignment issues, and treating gum disease. 

A dental implantology qualification will normally cover the following: 

• Implant science and anatomy 
• Patient assessment and treatment planning 
• Surgical techniques and protocols 
• Multiple implants
• Aftercare, including treating complications

Dental implantologists take part in hands-on training as part of their qualification, including live patient mentoring, observation and supervised clinical placement. 

How a dental implantologist differs from a general dentist

While all dental implantologists have trained in general dentistry, they will have extensive knowledge of everything related to dental implants, including treatment planning, surgical procedures, and aftercare. Here’s a comparison between the two roles, showing the similarities and differences: 

‘General dentist’ and ‘Dental implantologist’ above describe a difference in training and focus of practice, not GDC-registered titles.

While general dentists are highly qualified, and often do carry out implant procedures if they have had training, dental implantologists are experts in all aspects of this treatment, keeping in contact with you throughout your treatment and answering any questions you may have. 

Some dental implantologists also appear at academic conferences to discuss their work, and help to train dental students. Remaining actively involved in this way helps dental implantologists stay on top of the latest developments in the field, helping the next generation of patients. 

Are there red flags I should be aware of in an implant dentist?

All dentists are regulated by the General Dental Council, including implantologists. Due to the regulations set out by the profession, you are very unlikely to experience any unethical behaviour. However, unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people in all walks of life, and dentistry is sadly no exception. If you notice any of these we do suggest you are cautious: 

Claiming ‘specialist’ status 

No dental professional is allowed to call themselves a specialist as this is not a recognised job title, and dentists are not permitted by the GDC to use this title in their marketing materials. 

Skipping scans or diagnostic tests 

If you’re having dental implants, a dental professional should only plan treatment after conducting 3D scans of your mouth with a CBCT scanner. You should have a proper bone and gum evaluation before your implants are planned, to ensure that you can have this treatment and that the dentist is aware of any complications. 

Huge discounts or very low pricing

If your dentist or implantologist is offering huge discounts on your implants, we recommend being cautious as it may mean there are hidden fees later, or that the materials used may not be high quality. 

High pressure sales tactics 

Be wary of anyone who pushes you to agree to a particular treatment on the spot without going through all your options, talking through the risks or what the procedures will involve. 

Lack of a portfolio or ‘before and after’ gallery

Be cautious about choosing a dentist or implantologist who is not transparent about the number of patients they have treated, and cannot show you verified photos of ‘before and after’ treatments similar to yours. 

How to choose an implantologist or implant dentist

So what kind of dentist is best for implants? If you’re trusting someone with something as important as your teeth, it’s worth doing your research to make sure that they are the right dental professional to fit your implants, rather than just going with whoever describes themselves as an ‘implantologist’. This can include checking their status in the General Dental Council, viewing their treatment gallery, reviewing their care plan and aftercare procedures, and ensuring they’re using the very latest dental technology. As your dental implantologist will be following up with you throughout your treatment, you should feel comfortable with them and find it easy to talk to them about any concerns. 

Credentials and regulatory status 

Ensure that your dental implantologist or implant dentist has completed dedicated postgraduate training such as a Master’s degree or a PgDip in dental implants. You can also check that they are registered on the GDC website. If you’re still unsure, any reputable dental professional will be happy to chat to you about their training, treatment protocols and how many implants they have placed.

Treatment gallery 

Viewing their treatment gallery will give you an insight into the work of an implantologist or implant dentist, and what procedures they can provide for your smile, especially if you are concerned that your treatment may be too complex. 

Care plan and aftercare 

Any dentist who provides dental implants should be empathetic but also upfront about your care plan, including a breakdown of costs, possible complications and any support they offer following the procedure. They should also clarify whether they will be working with a team on your treatment, or manage the entire procedure entirely themselves. It’s important that you choose someone you feel comfortable enough to discuss details of your procedure with, who can answer any of your questions. 

Dental implant technology 

Any reputable implant dentist or implantologist should be able to discuss with you what technology they use to fit the implants, whether they use highly regarded premium brands such as Nobel Biocare or Strausmann, or use their own. Ideally, the practice should use 3D CBCT scans and digitally guided implant planning to ensure the best possible precision. 

Why choosing the right dentist for implants matters 

Choosing the right implant dentist or implantologist matters because dental implants are a complex procedure with a healing period. As well as potentially complex oral surgery, the procedure for dental implants involves precise bone mapping, usually with both 3D equipment and X-rays, as well as carefully examining your bite and any other dental issues. 

Additionally, dental implants have a potentially lengthy recovery period. It’s important you trust your dentist or implantologist enough that you are able to bring any concerns to them throughout the treatment process, as they will regularly check in with you for follow ups before your final crown is fitted. 

Here are just some of the benefits an experienced dentist or implantologist can bring: 

Preventing complications 

An expert implant dentist or implantologist will have expert anatomical knowledge. They will know how to read scans correctly, helping them with placing the implant. With excellent hygiene and infection control procedures, this reduces the chance of your dental implants being rejected or any safety issues or complications. 

Long term success 

With a dentist who knows how to correctly position implants, your implant may last for decades or longer. Professional implant dentists and implantologists will use durable parts from reputable suppliers for all parts of your implant, including the crown and abutment, so that it can permanently replace your missing tooth and minimise the possibility of future procedures. 

Gum health and nerve protection 

Using precise surgical techniques, an implant dentist or implantologist will be able to shape the tissue around your new tooth so that it protects your nerves and gums from being damaged and ensures that your tooth looks and feels natural. 

Empathetic follow-up and aftercare 

Your implantologist or implant dentist will keep in touch with you during all stages of your treatment, and be able to answer any concerns or questions, reassuring you that you’re in safe hands should any complications arise. Having extensive experience in the field, and having worked with patients from all walks of life, they will have seen it all before. 

Finding a trusted implant dentist near you 

Having a missing tooth can be painful, embarrassing and stressful, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of the entire implant process. Whether you ultimately choose an implantologist or an implant dentist, finding someone you feel comfortable with and has an excellent level of professional knowledge is essential. 

If you’re looking for a recommended dentist for dental implants in Luton or Bedford, Dr Uzman Haq has been fitting dental implants in the  area for over 20 years. As a travelling implant dentist, he doesn’t carry out general procedures like fillings, but works across four clinics in the Luton and Bedford area to provide dental implants.  He’ll keep in touch with you throughout the process in order to make sure that everything is going smoothly.

Find out if Dr Uzman is right for you

Frequently asked questions