What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

What are the Key Differences Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

You’re at the dentist’s office, waiting to hear what to do about your wisdom teeth, and you hear your dentist tell you they’re going to refer you to an oral surgeon… wait, what now? Who is this oral surgeon and why am I being referred? This guide explains the dentist and oral surgeon distinction and the roles of dentists and oral surgeons in protecting oral health and dental health. Oral and facial surgeons are uniquely trained to diagnose and operate to treat a number of conditions of the bone, skin and muscle of the face, mouth and jaw.

You might be thinking, wait… my dentist has done surgery on me before, does that make him or her an oral surgeon? Well, while dentists can perform minor oral surgeries, they are not oral surgeons.

Your dentist is your go-to for care of your mouth and teeth. In general dentistry, general dentists focus on preventive care and routine dental care, including a general oral exam. Dentists can treat cavities, gum disease, root canals, fillings, crowns, and more, and they can perform simple tooth extractions for routine dental issues. Often designated by a suffix of DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine), they are a dental professional focused on everyday dental issues, while an oral surgeon is a surgical specialist for more advanced surgical procedures. When more specialized oral or maxillofacial (relating to the jaws and face) care is needed, your dentist will refer you to a specialist like Dr. Davis. You may need to see an oral surgeon based on your treatment needs, especially for impacted teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, significant pain, or problems affecting surrounding teeth.

OFSI’s very own Dr. Shawn B. Davis serves to provide the highest quality of care and make a difference in the lives of their Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Nevada patients.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Davis must first earn a bachelor’s degree, attend four years of dental school, and after completing dental school, continue into a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. In that hospital setting, this specialized training includes plastic surgery and emergency medicine, and it is part of the extensive training and advanced skills that sets oral surgeons apart from general dentists. These are some of the key differences between dentists and oral surgeons. Oral surgeons are trained in anesthesia and sedation methods, including general anesthesia, ensuring your surgery goes smoothly.

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has many years of education and hands-on training to provide surgical treatment for dental implants, bone grafting, reconstructive surgery, jaw surgery, and other complex surgeries, including, but not limited to: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, including maxillofacial surgeons, may also provide corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, for TMJ disorders. Oral surgeons use advanced technology, including 3D imaging, for precise implant placement and other advanced surgical techniques. Minimally invasive care and complex procedures can enhance precision, improve comfort, and reduce recovery times significantly.

With dental implants, bone grafting is often needed before implant placement to create a stable foundation, especially when tooth loss has caused bone loss. Oral surgeons also handle complex tooth extractions and cases like removing wisdom teeth that may require more advanced care than simple tooth extractions.

So whether it’s wisdom teeth removal or teeth in a day, our team is dedicated to ensuring your every experience at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute is comfortable, communicative, and convenient. For us, there is no better feeling in the world than making a difference in our patients’ lives. Let us make a difference in yours—schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in St. George, Utah or our Mesquite, NV oral surgery office today, and learn more about our practice and team!

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