If you don’t know the difference between an oral surgeon vs dentist, then you’re not alone.The world of dentistry is broad, with various branches focusing on ailments that require the expertise of specific dental professionals. Many people are unaware and group all dentists together. However, dentistry includes various specializations and specialists for specific issues. To visit the appropriate dentist for your condition, you need to understand what each specialization entails.
For instance, if you have an oral condition, you may wonder whether you should visit a family dentistry, oral surgeon, or a general dentist. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are still some key differences. This blog will take you through the major differences between dentist vs oral surgeon to help you make an informed decision. Let us have a look.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
General dentists provide primary dental care for all patients and perform routine dental healthcare procedures. For instance, a general dentist may provide comprehensive dental examinations and routine cleanings, monitor your overall health, and treat oral conditions before they worsen.
In addition, a general dentist may also perform preventative maintenance, including procedures to keep your gums, teeth, and mouth healthy. Such as fluoride treatment. At times, they may also perform certain restorative procedures to repair minor damage caused by tooth decay or trauma, such as crowns, tooth fillings, and root canals.
General dentists also play a key role in encouraging patients to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning to get rid of gum disease and cavities.
What Advantages Do General Dentist Visits Offer?
There are numerous benefits to regularly consulting a general dentist. You should visit a general dentist to:
Eliminate Dental Anxiety
A lot of people suffer from dental anxiety, which causes them to avoid dentists in the first place. By visiting a general dentist for routine checkups, you can overcome this anxiety and gain confidence for other dental procedures.
Consistent Services
Ideally, you should visit a general dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and professional cleaning. By having a general dentist attend to your dental needs, you receive consistent care, which prevents further complications.
Emergency Care
Many general dentists also provide emergency care. Thus, you need to look for an emergency dental care provider urgently.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Now that you have an understanding of a general dentist, let us move on to the next part of the oral surgeon vs dentist debate.
An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who receives an additional four to six years of schooling than a general dentist. Oral surgeons go through hospital-based residencies and treat complex problems related to the soft and hard tissues in the mouth, face, and jaw.
The upper jaw is called the maxilla which is known to be the architectural key of the face as all facial bones are connected to it. Due to the complexity of the maxilla’s association with the nasal cavity and eye socket, additional training is required to effectively address issues in this area.
In addition, another difference between oral surgeon vs dentist is that oral surgeons also receive specializations in other areas including otolaryngology, internal medicine, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology. This makes them experts in diagnosing and treating several issues related to facial bones including jaw.
What are the Benefits of Visiting an Oral Surgeon?
Consulting with an oral surgeon can unlock a comprehensive plan for dental health. Here is why you should visit an oral surgeon:
Extensive Training and Experience
As mentioned above, oral surgeons receive extensive training and education, which makes them surgical specialists. While a few general dentists may perform dental implants or wisdom tooth extractions, an oral surgeon performs these treatments almost every day. This will guarantee that you get the finest care possible.
Multiple Anesthesia Options
One of the main reasons people shy away from dentists is the pain. Since oral surgeons are certified to sedate their patients before complex treatments, the entire experience is comfortable for the patients.
When to See Oral Surgeon vs Dentist?
If your dental work requires surgery, you should consult an oral surgeon. While a general dentist can perform minor tooth extractions or handle implants, complex conditions requiring extensive work should be addressed by an oral surgeon.
More complex surgeries, including jaw realignment, reconstructive surgery after an accident, or repair of jaw bones or soft tissues, necessitate a visit to an oral surgeon. For regular dental checkups or cleanings, however, a general dentist is appropriate.
Takeaway
The main difference between oral surgeons vs general dentists is the additional schooling. Oral surgeons are general dentists who receive additional training of four to six years, making them capable of handling difficult dental surgeries.
If you are still confused about whom to visit for your dental needs, consult the experts at University Ave Dental!
We offer comprehensive solutions for your dental needs with a team of experts, including general dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists. When deciding between a periodontist vs oral surgeon, our diverse range of specialists ensures you receive the precise care required.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
You can also contact us at (763) 784-1242.
Alternatively, you can visit us at 10155 University Ave NE Suite #112, Blaine, MN 55434.