What Is an Oral Surgeon vs. a Dentist?
Many people are not sure of the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon. Most people see their dentist at least once a year, while some of us will never see an oral surgeon. While they overlap in some ways, dentists and oral surgeons have a different focus and treat different conditions.
*Individual results may vary
What is an Oral Surgeon vs. a Dentist?
Oral surgeons and dentists begin their careers in a similar way, usually by obtaining a DDM (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Oral surgeons go on to fellowships or other advanced training in fields like maxillofacial surgery, allowing them to perform more advanced procedures.
Dentists typically focus on:
- Oral hygiene
- Periodontal disease
- Removing or repairing damaged teeth
- Cavities, fillings, and sealants
An oral surgeon may specialize in many areas but can perform the following:
- Tooth extraction, including wisdom teeth
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting
- Surgery to reposition the jaw bones
- Jaw reconstruction
- Facial cosmetic surgery
In many cases, your dentist will notice a problem and refer you to an oral surgeon. In other cases, you may seek out an oral surgeon to address aesthetic concerns with the jaw or other facial structures. Dr. Sonneveld combines oral surgery and aesthetic procedures so more people can benefit from his expertise and skill.
Do I Need a Dentist or an Oral Surgeon?
If you have an aching tooth, you will most likely go to your dentist. If you need a cavity filled, your dentist will perform the procedure. If they determine that the situation is more complex and you need an extraction, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. You will definitely see an oral surgeon for treatments like bone grafting, nerve repair, and maxillofacial surgery.
Request a Consultation
Give us a call today at 817-927-1818 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. You’ll be happy you chose Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Fort Worth for your oral surgery and facial cosmetic surgery needs.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
The most common reason for people to see an oral surgeon is wisdom tooth extraction. These problematic teeth often require removal. Dental implants are also a common treatment and may require a bone graft. Dr. Sonneveld also treats conditions like TMJ (a painful jaw condition) and nerve damage. Oral surgeons are highly trained in the underlying structures of the human face and qualified to address concerns in many of these areas.
How Should I Choose an Oral Surgeon?
Choosing an oral surgeon requires a bit of research. Factors you should explore include:
- Their areas of specialization
- Their education and training
- Their reputation and reviews
- How comfortable you feel with them
- Their knowledge of and experience with the procedure you need
Dr. Sonneveld and his team are happy to provide you with our qualifications and reviews from delighted patients. You can feel confident knowing that you have selected the right surgeon for your needs.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about what oral surgeons do, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.
