WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GENERAL DENTIST AND AN ORAL SURGEON?
A general dentist does general dentistry, which can include dental cleanings, cavity restoration, crowns, denture and partial fabrication, cosmetic veneering and simple extractions. An oral surgeon performs surgical procedures of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws or face. In addition to graduating from an accredited dental school and becoming licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeons have completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. They have training in other disciplines such as general surgery, plastic surgery, medicine, anesthesia and pathology. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat patients in the hospital, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and in private offices.
