Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Dentists and oral surgeons both treat conditions affecting the teeth and mouth, but their roles are not the same. The distinction is important when choosing the appropriate provider, especially for surgical care, pain, or complex tooth removal.
Legacy Surgery offer dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Oral Surgeon?
The main difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon is the level of surgical training and the type of procedures they perform. Dentists focus on routine dental care and maintenance, while oral surgeons are trained to manage surgical conditions involving the teeth, jaw, and facial structures.
A dentist is usually the first provider patients see for exams, cleanings, and common dental problems. An oral surgeon becomes involved when treatment requires surgery, advanced anesthesia, or management of more complex oral conditions.
Education and Training Differences
Dentists complete dental school after undergraduate education and earn a DDS or DMD degree. Their training covers prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental conditions, along with restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Oral surgeons complete dental school and then undergo an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency. This advanced training focuses on surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face, as well as anesthesia, pain control, and management of medically complex patients.
When You Should See a Dentist
A general dentist manages most day-to-day dental concerns and ongoing oral health care. Routine visits allow problems to be identified early and treated before they become more serious.
You should see a dentist for issues such as:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth sensitivity
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Missing teeth
- Bad breath
- Teeth grinding
- Plaque and tartar buildup
Dentists also coordinate referrals when a condition requires surgical care.
When You Should See an Oral Surgeon
Oral surgeons treat conditions that involve surgery or advanced anatomical considerations. These cases often require specialized training, imaging, or anesthesia options.
You should see an oral surgeon for:
- Impacted or complex tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth
- Dental implant placement
- Jaw surgery or bite correction
- Facial injuries or trauma
- Oral pathology or suspicious growths
- TMJ-related surgical conditions
- Surgical management of sleep apnea
Surgical procedures performed at Legacy Surgery.
What to Do If You Are Not Sure Who to See
If you are unsure whether your concern requires a dentist or an oral surgeon, start with a dental evaluation. A dentist can assess the problem and determine whether a referral is necessary based on complexity, risk, and treatment needs. You do not always require a referral to see an oral surgeon, you can also book an appointment directly.
Oral Surgery Care at Legacy Surgery
If you have been referred for oral surgery or believe your condition may require surgical evaluation, contact our office for guidance.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
Can a dentist remove wisdom teeth or do I need an oral surgeon?
Some general dentists remove fully erupted wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth, difficult positioning, or increased surgical risk are typically managed by an oral surgeon.
Do oral surgeons do regular dental cleanings?
Cleanings and routine exams are performed by general dentists or dental hygienists.
What can an oral surgeon do that a dentist cannot?
Oral surgeons complete additional hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school. This training allows them to perform complex tooth extractions, place dental implants, manage jaw conditions, treat facial trauma, and provide advanced anesthesia and pain control.
Is it better to have a tooth pulled by a dentist or an oral surgeon?
The appropriate provider depends on the complexity of the extraction. Simple extractions may be performed by a general dentist, while impacted teeth, difficult positioning, or cases requiring surgical access or anesthesia are better managed by an oral surgeon.