I'm not a dentist or oral surgeon, but a patient who did a lot of
research before getting implants.

I think the #1 factor you should look at is EXPERIENCE; and secondly
if that experience has led to good results.

I don't care what anyone says, implants are NOT "routine"; there is
much room for them to go wrong, if not done properly, or simply if
your body rejects them. Seems to me that if a bone graft is used,
chances for failures go up, but that's just my anecdotal observation,
not medical fact.

I'd question both as to how many they have done, ask if you can talk
to patients; how many have failed, and why?  how much each is going to
charge? And make your decision based on these answers.

I had tooth #18 extracted and am scheduled for evaluation in a month
with the  oral surgeon to see how the bone has healed. If there is bone
loss, bone graft will be required (I am not sure if the oral surgeon
does bone grafts -- I will need to go to periodontist -- but I will
have to check on that).

But I do know that both the oral surgeon and the periodontist that
previously treated my infection, perform implants.

In the case that I go for implant, does it make much difference which
one of them I select?

Is experience very important or are implants a routine procedure that
any experienced dentist could do?