A “visit oral surgeon” search usually means you’re trying to figure out when to visit an oral surgery specialist for tooth pain, jaw soreness, swelling, tooth loss, or another dental problem that may need treatment beyond what a general dentist handles.
It happens to a lot of people: a toothache sticks around for weeks, your jaw stays sore, or a wisdom tooth starts causing enough pain that you know you need to do something about it. You may also be dealing with a recently lost tooth, missing teeth, or symptoms that make you wonder whether the issue is more serious.
Should you call your dentist? What about an oral surgeon? How do you know who to call, and when? If you’re trying to decide between the two, this guide explains when a dentist is the first stop, when an oral surgeon is the right next step, and which oral and maxillofacial procedures they commonly handle, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and treatment related to oral cancer. It also points readers in St. George, Utah, toward local oral surgery care, so you can act early, avoid complications, and get the specialized treatment needed to protect your oral and facial health.
Dentist First
If you have any issues affecting your teeth, gums, jaws, or overall oral health, you should start by seeing a dentist, even if the pain is only in the general mouth area of the face. Even in an emergency, shoot for a dentist even if it’s not necessarily your dentist.
If you go to an urgent care center or even the ER, the best you are going to get is maybe some pain medication and being told to see a dentist. On top of this, a general medical environment like the ER will probably cost you 3 or 4 times what the procedure would cost with a dentist, especially when you’re dealing with issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
The point is, your dentist can handle most issues that you are going to be at risk of having. They will be able to diagnose and handle most oral problems. However, if they feel that you will be best served by more advanced oral surgery treatment, they will be able to recommend an oral surgeon or get you a referral in some situations, helping you understand the difference between an oral surgeon and a dentist.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Sometimes, your dentist will recommend you speak with a maxillofacial surgeon. They specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, often to treat diseases or injuries of the areas around the mouth and help restore oral and facial function, playing a key role in overall health and wellness.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have training and schooling beyond what is required to successfully practice dentistry. Many of the best oral and maxillofacial surgeons also obtain an MD along with the diploma needed to become oral surgeons. This includes a minimum of 4 years of training in a surgical residency program, and Dr. Quitmeyer is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Board-certified surgeons also provide anesthesia care for oral surgery, reflecting a patient-centered oral surgery practice built on advanced training and experience that can help patients overcome fear of oral surgery.
Common Areas Of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Impacted Teeth and Wisdom Teeth Removal
Very common with wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT, but known to happen elsewhere as well, this is where impacted teeth become crowded and painful and may require tooth extraction performed by an oral surgeon. Sedation options or anesthesia for oral surgery may be recommended to reduce discomfort during the process.
Dental Implants
If you need to have dental implants created and installed, you will have a titanium implant put into your jaw bone, then a crown is attached to replace a missing tooth and support long-term oral health. These are quite common, and options like 3 on 6™ dental implants in St. George can provide stable, natural-looking tooth replacement. Bone grafting may be needed if the jaw bone needs more support before implant placement. This planning helps improve outcomes for both function and your smile.
Cancer Treatment
Not just cancers of the mouth, either. Oral surgeons can assist in cancer treatment to protect health and support function in the mouth, head, neck, sinuses, throat, larynx, and even salivary glands, as part of a wide range of oral and maxillofacial procedures. After these treatments, following the best post-oral surgery care routine is essential for proper healing.
Oral Surgeons In St. George, Utah
Whether you’re dealing with impacted teeth, severe decay, or overcrowding that may require a tooth extraction, or your child needs evaluation for potential pediatric oral and facial surgery, the team can guide you through diagnosis and treatment based on your needs and comfort, with coordinated care alongside your referring dentist. Their staff is attentive and helpful with patient concerns and works to help patients feel comfortable. You can also learn more about their surgeons and practice or Meet Dr to better understand the level of care provided.
If you are looking for oral surgery in St. George, UT, reach out to the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute office, which serves St. George and surrounding communities while supporting the local community, or learn more about their oral surgeon in St. George, Utah, or call at (435) 383-5392.
Their professional team can help you make an appointment if you need oral surgery care, and the entire staff is knowledgeable and patient-focused. You can also use their contact information for St. George and Mesquite offices to schedule a visit.