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

If you find yourself having to go through a dental procedure that is vital to the improvement of your oral health, its essential that you select the right specialist to perform the treatment. While a general dentist and an oral surgeon are very comparable in the tasks they perform, there are some distinctions that you should be aware of.

What Is a General Dentist?

A general dentist might have a Doctor of Oral Medicine or DMD, or Physician of Dental Surgery, DDS. They will usually complete their admissions test for dental school entry after finishing their undergraduates, and then participate in a dental program for about four to five years. At which point they may decide to jump right into their respected specialized area as opposed to seeking additional training. 

Dentists manage treatments like root canals, crown placements, dental fillings, settings veneers and bridges. They can also handle standard surgical treatments such as abscess removal and basic tooth extractions.

What Is an Oral Surgeon?

After dental school oral surgeons go on to a surgical residency. Some oral surgeons acquire a medical degree in addition to their dental degree. While dentists are flawlessly efficient in managing fundamental oral care, it might be better to see an oral surgeon for any kind of cosmetic operation. This makes sure that you have the very best treatment and minimal recuperation.

Oral Surgeons mainly focus on dental surgeries and are sometimes referred to as maxillofacial surgeons. Some of the typical treatments that they offer are wisdom teeth extractions, TMJ adjustments, facial infections and facial injury repair, and dental implants.

Contact Us

If you are still unsure about choosing the right practitioner or you’re looking for more information on the different dental services, our staff is here to answer any questions and sway any concerns you might have. Contact our office to set up a consultation at Leading Edge Oral Surgery. We proudly serve the Elmhurst and Manhattan, New York area.

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