Patients have various options when it comes to dental professionals. Sometimes, it can be tricky to choose which type of professional is best for your current dental problem. Understanding the differences between a general dentist and an oral surgeon in Pembroke Pines can help you choose.
What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a General Dentist?
Who is a General Dentist?
The most common way to determine between a general dentist or oral surgeon is to look into their educational background. A general dentist focuses on general dentistry – such as fluoride treatment, dental X-rays, teeth cleaning, dental exams, cavity fillings, etc. In short, general dentists treat patients with basic or moderate dental problems, while oral surgeons deal with complex dental issues.A general dentist is usually proficient in basic dental procedures. While they can address basic problems such as simple tooth extractions and crowns, they don’t have the sufficient expertise to handle complex procedures. Hence, it’s best that you go directly to an oral surgeon when you need oral surgery.
Who is an Oral Surgeon?
As for an oral surgeon's educational background, they often undergo specialized training to treat facial and dental problems – including dental implants, oral cancer, biopsies, and complex tooth extractions.Patients often see an oral surgeon because of the referral or recommendation of a general dentist. When a dentist thinks that your dental health problem is out of their scope of expertise, they will refer you to a specialist like an oral surgeon, endodontist, or periodontist. In this way, your oral health problem can be treated with the proper procedure.Additionally, oral surgeons can provide proper care to patients who suffered major dental accidents and those who need reconstructive dental surgery. Other treatments dealt with by oral surgeons are repositioning implants, soft tissue repair, jaw alignment surgery, or tumor removal.
Contact an Oral Surgeon in Pembroke Pines
It can be very challenging to know which dental professional best suits your dental concern. Book an appointment with Oral Facial Reconstruction and Implant Center to determine if an oral surgeon is needed to treat your condition.
