You may find yourself working with more than just a general dentist while taking care of your dental health. Oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and other experts may be involved. Learn how a dentist and an oral surgeon in Plantation differ.
General Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon: Education, Training, and Treatments Offered
Education and Training
Whether a person wants to be a dentist or an oral surgeon, their education and training begin similarly. Both go to dental school, which usually takes four years to complete. These four years involve courses in pathology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and oral surgery, among other topics. Practical experience that acts as hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dentistry school is also included. General dentists take the licensure exam at this phase, and after passing and receiving their license, they can begin practicing. On the other hand, oral surgeons will finish a four- to six-year surgical residency. This must be a recognized residency program. They must complete the program and pass the exam to become board-certified. Simply put, oral surgeons have all of the education and training of a dentist plus an additional four to six years of specialized study.
Treatments They Offer
Oral surgeons and general dentists specialize in distinct elements of dentistry, yet they collaborate frequently to improve their patients' oral health. Your dentist is the primary oral health care provider. You go to the dentist for dental cleanings, cavity fillings, X-rays, and other procedures like crowns, bridges, and dentures. They will also make recommendations to help you improve your dental hygiene. Oral surgeons, often known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, specialize in treating mouth, jaw, and face problems. Tooth extractions, including the removal of your wisdom teeth, can also be performed by oral surgeons. They also do more sophisticated procedures like soft tissue biopsies, tumor removal, jaw realignment, implant placing, soft tissue healing, and accident reconstruction.
What Else Does an Oral Surgeon in Plantation Do?
Some maxillofacial surgeons will even address your breathing or sleeping problems. Soft tissue removal from the lower jaw or oropharynx may be required. They can also help with mouth, throat, and head malignancies. Likewise, oral surgeons can assist with facial infections, lesion removal, cleft lips or palate repair, and nerve healing. To make an appointment, call Oral Facial Reconstruction!
