Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine which kind of dental expert is ideal for your present needs, especially given the wide range of dental professionals available to patients. Making an informed decision about your dental treatment can be done by getting a simple know-how of the distinctions between a general dentist and oral surgeon in Plantation.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
Education
After earning a bachelor's degree, both dental professionals must undergo dental school. Oral surgery, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy are among the courses that students take in dental school, which normally lasts four years of full-time study. A general dentist must pass a license exam in order to practice in a certain location after earning the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Surgical residency takes four to six years for oral surgeons. The Commission on Dental Accreditation must approve the residency program in order to guarantee that each resident obtains instruction in oral surgery, anesthesia, oral pathology, and other areas required for competent practice.
Essential Abilities of an Oral Surgeon
- The ability to handle a variety of relationships with coworkers, patients, and their families through outstanding communication skills.
- Emotional fortitude, a placid demeanor, and the capacity to function successfully under pressure.
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and the value of teamwork.
- Diagnostic and problem-solving capabilities.
- Exceptional organizational skills and strong decision-making abilities.
- Superior control over time and resources for the benefit of patients.
- A great level of dexterity with the hands.
- Exceptional eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Physical endurance to meet the requirements of surgery.
Clinical Practice
Specialist education is required for treating a range of disorders affecting the face, mouth, and jaw by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. When a patient has an issue that is beyond the purview of a general dentist's training, they are often referred to an oral surgeon. The latter can remove both basic and complicated teeth, including wisdom teeth. Additionally, they offer assistance to accident victims who require reconstructive dental procedures. Moreover, soft tissue biopsies, tumor removal, jaw realignment surgery, soft tissue healing, and implant placement are among the procedures that oral surgeons can do.
Ask an Oral Surgeon in Plantation for Assistance
Choosing the dentist who best suits your needs can be challenging. To find out if an oral surgeon can best meet your needs, get in touch with our office.
