The right dental specialist plays a vital role in your dental care and recuperation process. There are many individuals who do not know which one to consult between a general dentist and an oral surgeon for particular dental problems. Knowing the difference between a dentist vs oral surgeon is very important so that you get the appropriate care at the right time.
Dentists mainly deal with preventive, restorative and general dental care, while oral surgeons specialise in carrying out surgery within the mouth and facial areas. Let us dive in to know more about it in detail!
What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist plays a major role in oral health care and they will make sure that you have healthy teeth and gums. They will notice any issues that could harm your oral cavity and help you restore your oral health.
Some of the common procedures done by a dentist are:
- Dental check-ups
- Dental cleaning
- Tooth filling
- Root canal therapy
- Crowns and bridges
- Gum disease treatment
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Preventive procedures and oral health education
Most patients are recommended to visit a dentist once every six months. The dentist also helps diagnose early stages of cavities and even oral cancer.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Oral surgeons are dental experts who have professional surgical training after completing a dental course. These dental specialists are trained to diagnose and conduct complex procedures on the mouth as well as close by structures.
Some of the operations performed by oral surgeons include the following:
- Extraction of wisdom teeth
- Tooth implants
- Surgery for jaw correction
- Management of facial trauma
- Grafting of bone
- Excision of oral tumours
- Reconstructive surgery of the face
- Surgery for TMJ
- Surgery of impacted tooth
Qualifications: Dentist v/s Oral Surgeon
Among many other things, one difference between oral surgeon and dentist is their education and specialisation. The dentist undergoes training in a BDS or DDS degree program, after which they have to fulfil the necessary licensing requirements for becoming a general dentist.
The latter goes through the same dental qualification but also spends 4 to 6 more years in surgical training in a hospital. They specialise in various aspects, including anaesthesia, facial reconstructive surgery, emergency surgery, pathology, and surgical procedures.
Oral Surgeon vs. Dentist: Major Differences
Despite having similarities in dealing with mouth problems, there are various differences between both oral surgeon vs dentist.
1. Scope of Treatment
Dentists specialise in preventative and cosmetic treatment of teeth and gums whereas oral surgeons perform procedures that are not considered standard dental procedures. Oral surgeons perform surgery on problems with the jawbone, facial bones, soft tissues and other severe dental problems that require surgery.
2. Type of Procedure
Some of the operations performed by dentists include:
- Fillings
- Cleaning
- Root canal
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Cosmetic dental operations
Examples of procedures done by oral surgeons include:
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting
- Jaw surgery
- Facial trauma surgery
- Tooth extraction
- Oral pathology surgery
3. Referral Patients
Many times, the dentist will have diagnosed the condition. In situations where the patient needs surgery, they will refer them to an oral surgeon.
When to see a dentist?
Most dental concerns should initially be evaluated by a dentist.
Visit your dentist if you have:
- Dental pain
- Gums bleeding
- Sensitivity in the teeth
- Bad breath
- Holes
- Broken fillings
- Loose or missing tooth
- discoloured teeth
- General dental examinations
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
Sometimes it is necessary to see an oral surgeon. You may want to see your oral surgeon if you need any of the following:
- Impacted wisdom tooth extraction
- Dental implants operation
- Repair of a jaw fracture
- Facial injuries treatment
- Jaw surgery
- Removal of tumours in the mouth
- Bone grafts for dental implants
- Treatment for severe jaw discomfort that requires surgery
Oral Surgeon or Dentist – Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between an oral surgeon or dentist depends on the nature of the dental condition. If one has normal oral conditions such as dental exams, fillings, mouth cleaning, periodontal care, crowns, and also root canal procedures, then one should see a general dentist for these kinds of issues.
If one requires special surgery like the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw surgery, facial injuries and also bone grafting, then an oral surgeon is the best person to do that. Knowing the difference between an oral surgeon vs general dentist will help one get the right treatment in time. In most cases a general dentist will see you first and, after examining you, refer you to an oral surgeon.
Why Choosing the Right Specialist Matters
- Choosing the proper dental professional is vital for getting the correct diagnosis and the best treatment for your oral health problem.
- Consulting early with the correct professionals can help you avoid problems, save you time in the treatment process and increase your chances for success.
- For safety and efficiency operations like dental implants and removal of an impacted tooth should be done by a trained professional.
- They use sophisticated surgical techniques and specific treatment regimens.
- Dr Mukul Padhye has extensive surgical experience and a patient-oriented approach; thus, every procedure is carried out with great attention to detail and the patient’s comfort.
Wrapping It Up
It is important to know the distinction between a dentist and an oral surgeon for good oral health. While a dentist performs tasks involving preventive and restorative aspects of oral care an oral surgeon is a professional who performs complex surgical procedures for dental and facial issues. Getting the right professional when the need arises will not only speed up your recovery but also result in better results and better oral health in the future.
In case you need professional surgical help, then Dr Mukul Padhye is a popular choice who specialises in performing advanced oral and maxillofacial surgeries with efficiency and empathy. He stands out as the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Mumbai. Dr Mukul Padhye performs dental and surgical treatments such as wisdom teeth removal and facial trauma care.
