implantista

An implantista is a professional who surgically places implants or implantable devices into the human body. The term is used in several Romance languages, including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and may refer to physicians or dentists who perform implant procedures. The scope of practice includes dental implants, orthopedic implants, cochlear implants, neural implants, and other implanted medical devices.

Education and training vary by country and by specialty. In dentistry, an implantista is typically a dentist who completes postgraduate training in implant dentistry and may pursue board certification or a fellowship. In medicine, implant procedures are performed by surgeons—such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, or plastic surgeons—who have completed residency training and additional implant-focused fellowships. Certification and licensure depend on national or regional medical boards and professional societies.

Responsibilities often include patient assessment and treatment planning, imaging (such as X-ray or CT scans), surgical placement of implants, anesthesia management, prosthetic rehabilitation, and postoperative follow-up. Maintenance involves ongoing hygiene, monitoring for complications, and addressing issues such as infection, implant loosening, or device failure. The role requires adherence to sterile technique and careful consideration of patient selection and long-term device compatibility.

Regulation and ethics are governed by health authorities and device manufacturers. Informed consent, risk communication, and adherence to clinical guidelines are essential. Modern implantology has advanced significantly since early osseointegration work in the 20th century, with dental implants and implantable devices becoming common across multiple medical disciplines.