Many people consider a career in dentistry as a stable, beneficial career. However, they also worry that it’d be too boring. Do you really want to spend your days cleaning teeth and running X-rays?
This routine is what most people imagine when they think of a dentist. Yet, many other types of dentists exist.
These dentists specialize in different areas of dental health. One example of these other types is an implantologist.
An implantologist is a dentist that specializes in tooth replacement and restoration. If you’re looking for a dental career that’s more challenging and more specialized, an implantologist may be the best thing for you. Learn more about the differences between them in the guide below!
General Dentist and Implantologist: Areas of Overlap
General dentists and implantologists have some areas of overlap. For example, both types of dentists can perform light maintenance work on your teeth.
This includes work like teeth cleaning, polishing teeth, and eliminating rotted roots. Visiting a general dentist is more like a checkup with your doctor. An implantologist, though, is akin to seeing a specialist for specific health issues.
Specific Implantologist Procedures
Implantologists do some of the same work as general dentists. Their specialty, though, lies in restoration and replacement dental care.
Restoration involves getting your decaying teeth back to a healthy state. Replacement, however, helps replace teeth that are beyond repair.
Implantologists rely on dental implants to do this. This implant is a metal post that implantologists surgically implant in the jawbone.
From there, the gum tissue secures the post. This procedure resolves several problems caused by rotted teeth.
Finally, implantologists offer less harsh procedures as well. These include custom bridges, crowns, and dentures for their patients.
How to Become a Certified Implantologist
When somebody decides to become an implantologist, they must undergo extensive training. Typically, they receive this preparation through an implantologist course.
These courses ensure that an implantologist meets several requirements. By the end of their training, implantologists have at least 300 hours of education in implant dentistry. Alternatively, they may have a degree from a similar prosthodontics program.
Of course, having “head knowledge” is not the only thing a doctor needs. They also need experience in performing surgical procedures involving dental implants. They gain this experience through clinical trials and residency programs.
As they gain experience, implantologists learn three separate types of dental implant cases. This variety gives them the expertise to perform different operations.
Finally, an aspiring implantologist must pass a written dentistry exam in their field. They will also take an oral exam from experienced implantologists. If you’re curious about implant courses for dentists, you can find several options online.
Becoming an Implantologist
As you can see, oral implantology is a complex field that requires significant experience. However, it can also be a rewarding career. If becoming an implantologist appeals to you, look into course options today!
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