What is the Difference between a General Dentist and an Oral Surgeon?

With many branches of dentistry, it is easy to quickly confuse the specialization of different dental practitioners. In particular, with more and more services now being offered by general dentists, patients may find themselves wondering when and why they need a referral to a dental specialist.

What is a General Dentist?

General dentists are the dentists you routinely visit for regular cleanings and other preventive treatments. In the event of a dental emergency, patients often begin the restoration process with the general dentist. All dental specialists begin as general dentists then undergo additional training to pursue their desired dental specialty. Depending on your general dentist’s education, their practice may offer additional procedures to help improve the function, health, and look of your smile. As general dentists serve as your primary dentist, they have an in-depth knowledge of your smile and are able to refer you to specialists based on your dental needs.

What is the Scope of an Oral Surgeon?

Formally known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, oral surgeons are dental specialists that focus solely on the surgical procedures needed to improve the function and health of the mouth, jaw, and face. The training required to become an oral surgeon is fairly extensive, often requiring an addition 4-6 years of hospital-based training.

Given their extensive training, oral surgeons offer very specific procedures to improve the function and health of their patients. Some common oral surgery procedures include:

-          Impacted tooth extractions

-          Corrective jaw surgery

-          Bone grafting

-          Implant preparation procedures, such as ridge modification and sinus augmentation

-          Dental reconstruction and pathology

-          TMJ surgery

Some confusion often arises when considering the scope of oral surgeons versus the scope of a dental surgeon. The largest distinction between these two focuses is that while a dental surgeon may perform some oral surgeries, surgical procedures are not the focus of their training or practice. In contrast, an oral surgeon is specifically trained to perform oral and maxillofacial procedures. In other words, oral surgery is their primary focus.

Oral Surgery in Lorton and Springfield

Lorton-Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery is an oral surgery practice dedicated to assisting patients achieve their ideal smile and optimal health through oral and maxillofacial procedures. For more information about the wide range of surgical services offered at our Lorton or Springfield dental offices, please contact our team today.