Nowadays, dental implant surgery is considered common and is performed with high success rates. A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is surgically implanted into the jaw to replace the missing root of a tooth. Once it has healed, the implant is then “restored”by a dentist, who prepares a crown that is screwed onto the implant. Although dental implants are quite predictable, even the simplest procedures could pose risks and complications.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgery of the face, mouth and jaw, ranging from a single implant to full mouth restorationand grafting. Dentists and physicians refer patients to oral surgeons as they possess sophisticated surgical knowledge pertaining to teeth, face, mouth and jaw surgeries. After their training in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive an additional 5 to 7 years of hospital-based surgical training and residency. This rigorous and intensive training includes time spent on rotation to general surgeons, ENT, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists and many other specialties, in order for them to be eligible for national Royal College of Dentist Fellowship certification examinations. Their specialty allows them to perform both major and minor surgical procedures with ease, which translates to minimization of risks, complications and maximization of post-operative recovery for patients.
