“I don't think it is necessary to make this a specialty since oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists and general dentists like me all place dental implants, and many restore," offered one doctor. "I do think fellowship training is good, and credentialing is valuable."

Though 85% of general dentists oppose having implant dentistry as an official specialty, only 67% of specialists feel the same. While some feel that dental implant surgery should only be done by a specialist, most agree that general dentists are fully capable of restoring implants.

Here are some further comments from dentists on dental implantology:

• “The oral surgeons or periodontists should be placing the implants in the bone – a good restorative dentist can place the dental implant crowns or over- dentures.” (Florida dentist)
• “I do not believe dentists should be placing tooth implants unless they are certified specialists in implantology.” (Alabama dentist)
• “It IS a specialty when done at the highest levels.” (Dental implantologist)
• “Implant dentistry should become a subspecialty recognizing those doctors (specialists and non specialists alike) that have received additional training to perform tooth implant dentistry proficiently.” (Periodontist)
• “Implants are a part of my General Practice, and have been since 1986. I would hate to see certain fractions in dentistry fight over this….i.e., Oral Surgeons, Periodontist, dentists, etc. It WILL be ugly.” (Massachusetts dentist)
• “Implants should be dental school course just as endodontics, periodontics, etc.” (General dentist)
• “The last thing dentistry needs.” (New Jersey dentist)
• “There are enough turf wars about dental implants as it is. No need to have a separate specialty.” (General dentist)
• “The politics of delineating who the 'specialists' are is an impossible task.” (New York prosthodontist)
• "Things are good as they are. We should not elevate individuals to royalty status.” (Texas dentist)

Read more: Dental Implants Should Not Be a Specialty, Say Dentists

Here's what dentists have to say about how the economy affects dental implant treatment:

• "We all know that a single tooth implant is the best solution for a missing tooth. Our office has priced the single implant and restoration (including the abutment if needed) exactly the same as a three unit dental bridge." (Alaska dentist)
• "Some patients are opting for no treatment." (New Jersey dentist)
• "People are still finding insurance coverage for bridges, and even though the patients still would rather have the implant, they are electing bridges for financial considerations."
• "People are still doing dental treatment, but case sizes accepted are generally smaller." (Tennessee dentist)

Just a thought…. I wonder if there’s any increase in demand for mini dental implants as a less expensive treatment alternetative to regular dental implants?

Read more: Dental Implants – In a Recession, Many Patients Choose Dental Bridges

In our most recent survey, we asked dentists about their favorite treatment options. Cosmetic dentistry was the clear winner, pulling in over one-third of the total vote (and one-half of he general dentist vote). Dental implants were the runner-up.

There were distinct differences between general dentists and specialists. While nearly half of general dentists favored cosmetic dentistry, only 16% of specialists did. Among specialists, dental implants were the favorite treatment option.

There were also notable differences between urban and rural dentists. Rural dentists were significantly more likely to vote for cosmetic dentistry as their favorite option. While Invisalign was preferred by one-quarter of urban dentists, no rural dentists reported feeling the same way.

Here are some other treatment options dentists like:

• “Lasers.” (Maryland dentist)
• “Periodontal plastic surgery.” (Arizona periodontist)
• “Amalgam.” (North Carolina dentist)
• “Conventional orthodontics.” (Michigan dentist)
• “Third molars.” (New York dentist)
• “Crowns and bridges.” (Canada dentist)
• “Reconstructive dentistry.” (Kentucky dentist)
• “Endodontics.” (Canada dentist)
• “TMD.” (Michigan dentist)
• “Smile makeovers.” (Cosmetic dentist)

Post your comments or read the complete dental treatment options survey results…

Consumer portal website 1st-DentalImplants.com provides local listings of dentists who offer implant dentistry, as well as a variety of other dental implant resources.

The Internet Dental Alliance announces the re-launch of its consumer information website 1st-DentalImplants.com. The website offers patients a variety of implant dentistry resources. Patients can find a properly trained implant dentist, learn more about dental implants, ask questions of an expert dentist, and more.

The find-a-dentist website also offers up fascinating facts. For example, teeth implants that are over 1,000 years old have been found from the Mayan civilization. Tooth-shaped pieces of shell were found placed into the sockets of missing incisors and had actually been incorporated into the bone structure.

Learn more about the dental implant portal website