What is the Difference Between a Dentist and Oral Surgeon?
Posted on 1/24/2022 by Evan
With all the dental procedures performed by a general dentist and oral surgeon, it might seem like the two are the same thing. However, the difference between the two is clear in the services that they provide and their expertise. So, what is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Also referred to as maxillofacial surgeons, these surgeons specialize in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws. Oral surgery is a specialty of dentistry that requires additional training and education in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Oral surgeons provide a range of services that are beyond those provided by a dentist. Since surgery includes complex procedures such as bone grafting and removal of impacted teeth, dentists usually refer patients to an oral surgeon when they need services beyond the scope of their practice. However, oral surgeons will also perform various surgical procedures, working in harmony with the dentist's prescribed treatment.
What Does a Dentist Do?
If you regularly visit a dentist, you probably have a rough idea of what to expect from a general dentist. Beyond the regular cleaning and scaling, a dentist provides general dental health services such as root canal treatment, crowns, gum care, and many more. A dentist provides a range of treatments but is restricted by the complexity of the required procedure.
Depending on the treatment a patient requires, it will determine the type of dental practitioner to see. Routine dental treatments are usually handled by a dentist, whereas an oral and maxillofacial surgeon handles the more complex procedures. A dentist can also refer you to an oral surgeon if the procedure requires expertise in a specific specialty.
Testimonials | Dentist Medford, OR | Rogue Valley Dental Center At Rogue Valley Dental Center, we know our patients want to make sure they are in good hands, which is why you should check out these first-hand testimonials! Rogue Valley Dental Center, 1150 Crater Lake Ave, Suite E, Medford, OR 97504-6213 \ (541) 779-4517 \ medforddentalcenter.com \ 6/9/2023 \ Associated Words: dentist Medford OR \
Rogue Valley Dental Center 
With all the dental procedures performed by a general dentist and oral surgeon, it might seem like the two are the same thing. However, the difference between the two is clear in the services that they provide and their expertise. So, what is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?