A dentist may recommend his or her patient to see an oral surgeon or an oral maxillofacial surgeon to treat a particular condition. Yet, depending on the type of dental issue the patient is experiencing, the dentist will certainly suggest which practitioner the patient should see. On the other hand, if you had to find this type of dental specialist on your own, there’s one important thing you’d need to understand. What is the difference between an oral surgeon and an oral maxillofacial surgeon? Sadly, many people don’t realize that these two professionals differ and simply assume they are the same. However, this could become a mistake when the time comes to have a particular oral procedure done.
Oral Surgeons
General oral surgeons only take on certain types of procedures. They are skilled and knowledgeable about overall oral health and trained for correcting many dental issues. As such, oral surgeons often handle impacted wisdom teeth and eliminate any infection, pain, and swelling associated with it. They also work with patients who need options for saving or replacing teeth, such as root canals and dental crowns. Furthermore, they help fix fitting issues for a patient’s denture, or correct temporomandibular joint problems. Yet, for extremely complex cases, dentists will refer patients to an oral maxillofacial surgeon. Why is this done? Read on!
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral maxillofacial surgeons are oral surgeons, but they have undergone additional training to address more complex dental and medical issues. These highly-skilled surgeons have extensive training in dental medicine, often addressing problems associated with the head, mouth, jaws, and neck. Surgeons who have earned this designation have obtained a medical license, which allows them to properly administer anesthesia and perform more extensive surgeries. Ultimately, OMS surgeons treat various diseases, injuries, and defects of the head and throat – both hard and soft tissue regions.
Dentists and oral surgeons often refer a patient to an oral maxillofacial surgeon when dental or facial trauma is involved. If an advanced facial or oral surgery is required to correct an issue, the surgeon takes on these cases also. In fact, due to their extensive training, oral maxillofacial surgeons hold the highest position of dental surgery and licensure. This means they’re the only dental practitioners who can perform all forms of dental surgery without limitation. Furthermore, they are well capable of performing gum surgery, nasal cavity surgery, and facial trauma surgery. Yet, most oral maxillofacial surgeons handle less complex cases, including advanced forms of dental implant procedures and tooth extractions.
Why Choose OMSH?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston (OMSH) works with all patients in need of oral surgery. Every doctor associated with our practice is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS). Furthermore, we’ve been providing comprehensive and innovative oral treatment options to patients for nearly 20 years. If you reside in the Greater Houston area, contact our office to learn how oral surgery may improve your life in a variety of ways. When you consult with one of our surgeons, you can rest assured that you’ll be in exceptional hands. Call us at 832-509-4505 for your next appointment.
