When faced with a dental issue, many patients wonder whether they should see their regular dentist or a specialist. While both professionals provide essential oral healthcare services, understanding the distinction between general dentists and oral surgeons can help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Knowing when to consult each type of provider ensures you receive the most effective care for your specific needs.
At Legacy Oral Surgery, we provide specialized oral and maxillofacial surgical care to patients throughout New Jersey. With over 35 years of combined professional experience and treating more than 7,000 patients annually, our team, led by Dr. Nancy Herbst, provides expert surgical solutions that go beyond what general dentistry can offer. Whether you need wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, or treatment for facial trauma, our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced techniques ensure exceptional outcomes.
What Training Do Dentists and Oral Surgeons Complete?
General dentists and oral surgeons follow significantly different educational pathways. After completing four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, general dentists are qualified to practice. They focus on the following:
- Preventive care
- Diagnostics
- Treatment of dental issues like cavities and gum disease
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo an additional four to six years of intensive hospital-based surgical residency training after dental school. This specialized education includes rotations in anesthesiology, medicine, and surgery, providing training in the treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face, and neck.
Procedures General Dentists Can Perform
General dentists handle the majority of routine oral healthcare needs. They perform:
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Simple tooth extractions
They also diagnose dental conditions, take X-rays, and create treatment plans for maintaining oral health. When dental issues fall within their scope of practice, dentists provide excellent care.
Procedures Oral Surgeons Can Perform
Oral surgeons specialize in surgical procedures that extend beyond routine dentistry. At Legacy Oral Surgery, we provide:
- Dental implants
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Bone grafting
- Jaw surgery
- Treatment of facial trauma
- Biopsies of oral pathology
We also offer general anesthesia administered in our office, ensuring patient comfort during surgical procedures.
How Do You Know Which Provider You Need?
Determining whether you need a dentist or an oral surgeon depends on the nature of your dental concern. For routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, and preventive care, your general dentist is the appropriate provider. They serve as your primary oral healthcare professional and can identify potential problems before they become serious.
However, certain conditions require the specialized training of an oral surgeon. Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or infection, dental implants to replace missing teeth, jaw alignment issues, facial injuries, and suspicious oral lesions all warrant evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your dentist may also refer you to an oral surgeon when extractions prove difficult or when you require sedation beyond what a general practice can provide.
What Makes Oral Surgeons Different?
Beyond their extensive training, oral surgeons possess unique qualifications that set them apart. They maintain hospital privileges, allowing them to perform complex procedures in both office and hospital settings. Their training in anesthesia administration enables them to safely provide sedation ranging from local to general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort throughout surgical procedures.
Oral surgeons also develop expertise in managing medical complexities. Patients with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or those taking blood thinners require special considerations during surgical procedures. The advanced medical training oral surgeons receive prepares them to treat patients with various health conditions safely and effectively.
Schedule Your Consultation at Legacy Oral Surgery
Understanding the difference between dentists and oral surgeons helps you seek appropriate care when dental issues arise. While general dentists provide essential preventive and restorative care, oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer specialized surgical expertise for issues requiring advanced treatment. The two professions work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive oral healthcare for patients.
Dr. Herbst and the Legacy Oral Surgery team combine more than 25 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery. We set ourselves apart by being there for our patients before, during, and after their surgical experience. Schedule your consultation today by visiting our contact form or calling our office to discuss your oral surgery needs.
