Medically Reviewed by Dr. Daniel Reich, D.M.D. on September 1, 2026
Periodontists are the dental specialists best qualified to place dental implants, since their training focuses specifically on the gum tissue and bone that determine whether an implant integrates and lasts. Not all providers who place implants have the same training, and the differences in qualifications can significantly affect your results and long-term oral health.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC in East Brunswick, NJ, Dr. Daniel Reich is a board-certified periodontist with over 30 years of experience in advanced implant dentistry. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Reich combines extensive training with state-of-the-art technology to provide periodontal and implant services that are designed to last.
Many different types of dental professionals place dental implants today, but their training and qualifications vary dramatically. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Some general dentists add implant placement to their services after completing weekend courses or short continuing education programs. While these dentists may be skilled in restorative procedures, limited surgical training may not prepare them for complex cases or complications. Understanding the differences between a dental specialist and a general dentist can help you evaluate a provider’s background before committing to treatment.
Large dental chains often employ rotating staff who follow standardized treatment protocols. These centers may prioritize volume over individualized care, and patients may not see the same provider throughout their treatment.
Oral surgeons receive extensive training in surgical procedures and anesthesia, making them skilled at extracting teeth and performing jaw surgery. Their residency typically runs four to six years and covers facial trauma, anesthesia, and complex extractions in addition to implant placement. This broad surgical training is valuable for complex cases, though it places less emphasis on the long-term health of the gum and bone tissue that support implants over time.
Periodontists complete three additional years of focused training after dental school, concentrating exclusively on the health and treatment of gums, bone, and the supporting structures of teeth. This focused education directly addresses the tissues that successful dental implant placement depends on for long-term stability.
The American Academy of Periodontology recognizes periodontists as specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting bone, and in the surgical placement of dental implants. Periodontal residency programs run through dental schools and hospitals, requiring three additional years of full-time training beyond a general dentistry degree before a graduate can call themselves a periodontist.
Board certification adds another layer of verification. The American Board of Periodontology requires candidates to pass written and oral examinations covering the full scope of periodontology and dental implant surgery, and Diplomates must maintain their certification through ongoing continuing education. A dentist who completes a weekend implant course has met none of these requirements, which is why credentials are worth confirming directly rather than assuming from a provider’s marketing.
Periodontists receive focused education specifically in the health and treatment of gums and bone, the exact tissues that dental implants depend on for stability and long-term success. During their three-year residency, periodontists study periodontal disease treatment, bone regeneration techniques, soft tissue management, and advanced surgical procedures.
Because periodontists treat gum disease daily, they can identify whether a patient needs periodontal treatment before implant placement. They understand how inflammation affects healing and can address underlying conditions that might compromise implant success. Periodontists also perform bone grafting procedures to build up areas with insufficient bone density, ensuring implants have a solid foundation.
Periodontists can evaluate your overall oral health and determine whether you need extensive implant work or if less invasive options could preserve some of your natural teeth. This comprehensive perspective prevents unnecessary procedures and focuses on solutions that serve your long-term health interests.
Some corporate dental chains and implant centers prioritize sales over patient care, creating situations that put patients at risk. Being aware of these warning signs can protect you from receiving inadequate care or unnecessary treatment.
When evaluating implant providers, be cautious if you encounter any of the following concerning practices:
Patterns like these have led to complaints and lawsuits against some corporate centers, with patients reporting they never received a proper diagnosis before being sold expensive treatment plans. A thorough evaluation by a qualified specialist is essential before any implant procedure.
Before committing to treatment, you have the right to understand your provider’s qualifications and approach to care. Start by asking about their specific training in implant dentistry, including where they completed their education and how long they have been placing implants.
Find out how many implants they place each year and what their success rates are over five and ten years. Request information about their process for evaluating bone and gum health, and ask whether they perform bone grafting in-house or refer patients elsewhere. You should also ask what happens if complications arise during or after surgery, and whether the same provider will manage your care throughout the process.
Ask about the technology they use, as advanced tools like 3D imaging and surgical guides can improve precision and outcomes. Finally, request before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours and ask whether you can speak with previous patients about their experiences.
Choosing the right provider for your dental implants affects not only the success of your procedure but also your comfort, recovery time, and long-term oral health. Dr. Daniel Reich’s advanced training as a board-certified periodontist, combined with his role as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics, means you receive care based on current research and techniques rather than a weekend certification course.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, we use advanced technology, including 3D printing and surgical guides, to help achieve precise implant placement. Whether you need a single tooth replacement or implant-supported overdentures, we provide comprehensive evaluations to help determine the best approach for your unique needs. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Both periodontists and oral surgeons complete surgical residencies and are qualified to place dental implants, but their training emphasizes different tissues. Periodontists spend three years focused specifically on gum and bone health, the foundation implants depend on for long-term stability, while oral surgeons train for four to six years in broader surgical procedures including facial trauma and anesthesia. Periodontists often work well for patients who need gum treatment alongside implant placement, while oral surgeons are frequently involved in more complex bone and jaw cases.
A general dentist can place implants after completing continuing education coursework, but this training is typically measured in weekend courses rather than years of residency. For straightforward, single-tooth cases with adequate bone and healthy gums, some general dentists achieve good outcomes. For patients with bone loss, gum disease, or complex restoration needs, a specialist with residency-level training in implant surgery is generally better positioned to manage the case and any complications that arise.
Periodontists complete three additional years of full-time residency training after dental school, focused entirely on the gums, jawbone, and other structures that support teeth and implants. This residency includes hands-on training in bone grafting, soft tissue management, periodontal disease treatment, and implant surgery. Some periodontists, including those in academic roles, also complete research fellowships or teaching appointments that add further years of advanced experience.
Board certification means a periodontist has voluntarily completed additional written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Periodontology, beyond what is required to practice. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology has demonstrated advanced knowledge in periodontal disease treatment and dental implant surgery and must maintain certification through ongoing continuing education. Not every practicing periodontist pursues board certification, so it is a credential worth asking about directly.
Ask about the provider’s specific training in implant dentistry, whether they are board certified, and how many implants they place each year. Request information about their long-term success rates, their approach to evaluating bone and gum health, and whether the same provider will manage your care from consultation through follow-up. A provider who answers these questions clearly and does not pressure you into same-day treatment decisions is generally a good sign.
About the Author
Board-Certified Periodontist | Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
Dr. Daniel Reich has more than 30 years of experience in periodontics and implant dentistry and treats patients at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants in East Brunswick, New Jersey. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine. His focused training centers on the gum and bone health that support long-term implant success.
