What makes a dentist different from an oral surgeon?

Residency: A general dentist does not necessarily have any extra training after dental school, although they can do a 1-2 year post-graduate residency. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon spends a minimum of 4 years after dental school in a residency specifically training in surgery, including dental extractions, dental implants, jaw surgery, trauma, reconstruction, bone grafting, cleft lip and palate, etc.

Board Certification: In addition, an oral surgeon (as well as any other specialist) can become board certified. This process involves taking a rigorous examination, after completing their specialty training.

Specialty training: An oral surgeon is a dentist who recieved specialty education in surgery. The training can be anywhere from 4-7 years after completing 4 years of dental school. This is also after 4 years of college.

Surgical experience: A dentist does have some experience in oral surgery procedures. An oral surgeon specializes in removal or teeth, sedation, wisdom teeth, bone grafting, trauma, pathology, placement of dental implants, jaw surgery and tmj. It is your choice on which doctor you want to go with. The more complicated the procedure or treatment it may be worthwhile having an oral surgeon involved.