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Although oral surgeons and general dentists are in similar fields, and can perform some of the same procedures, there is a vast difference between their job descriptions. They each have unique skill sets, work in distinct settings, and require a different level of training. To better understand what differentiates them from each other, please continue reading. General Dentists: Education and Licensing General dentists require seven to eight years of education and will either be awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. In order to be licensed by law as a dental professional, general dentists must pass an intense national written exam and a state/regional clinical exam. To maintain that license, a certain level of continuing education courses must be completed each year. This ensures they stay up-to-date on the latest techniques. Scope of Practice for General Dentists Much like your primary physician is seen for physicals, the common cold, or flu – a general dentist is available to provide basic dental care to help you maintain optimum oral health. A general dentist is equipped to provide dental exams and cleanings, review x-rays, and diagnose and treat common dental issues. Some of the services rendered may include: • Dental fillings • Root canal therapy • Dental sealants • Dental Crowns • Bridges • Dentures • Gum care Depending on their certifications and the services they choose to provide in-house, they can also help correct cosmetic imperfections with teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and in some cases orthodontics. Oral Surgeons: Education and Licensing Oral surgeons (often called oral and maxillofacial surgeons) go on to complete a four to six year residency program in a hospital-based/surgical setting after finishing dental school to become surgical specialists in the dental profession. To be cleared to practice, this surgical residency program must be accepted by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Each resident receives specialized training on anesthesia, oral surgery, and oral pathology. Upon completion, they are certified to offer the maximum level of sedation and have specific knowledge on the inner workings of the facial structures and anatomical nerves, giving them the tools they need to perform complex oral surgeries. Those who desire to achieve the highest level of certification go on to become board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A board certified oral surgeon follows the highest level of care and participates in continuing education courses each year to maintain this certification. Scope of Practice for Oral Surgeons An oral surgeon can treat injuries, conditions, and defects that involve the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. Their scope of practice can include: • Corrective jaw surgery – when the bite is severely misaligned • Dental implant placement – designed to support dental crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore missing teeth • Tooth extractions – for both fully erupted teeth and impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth • Facial injuries – including knocked out teeth, facial lacerations, oral lacerations, fractured facial structures, or dislocated or fractured jaws • Sleep apnea treatment – for patient who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring • Oral or facial infections – such as oral cancer or abscessed teeth • TMJ surgery – to correct severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder that has not responded well to conservative treatment It’s best to start with your general dentist when problems arise so they can make the necessary referrals when treatment is outside their scope of practice. Although some general dentists do perform simple tooth extractions, an oral surgeon is typically recommended for more complex procedures. Your general dentist and oral surgeon will work together to make sure you receive optimal results. If you are looking for a board certified oral surgeon in Tarrant County, please visit www.txoss.com to learn more about Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX.
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