Dental surgery involves procedures focused on the alteration, repair, or reconstruction of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. While all licensed dentists receive training in basic surgical techniques, their scope is limited to routine and minor interventions. When a condition requires more complex or invasive treatment, a specialized expert is needed. These complex procedures, often involving the underlying bone and soft tissues of the face, are handled by practitioners who have completed extensive post-doctoral surgical training.
The Difference Between General Dentists and Oral Surgeons
A general dentist serves as the primary care provider for a patient’s oral health, focusing on preventive care, diagnostics, and common restorative treatments. Their daily practice includes procedures like routine cleanings, fillings for cavities, crown and bridge placement, and simple tooth extractions. They focus on maintaining the overall function and health of the mouth through non-surgical or minimally invasive means.
In contrast, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS) is a highly specialized professional whose practice is confined to surgical management of the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. These specialists are often the next step when a general dentist determines a case is beyond their training or comfort level. The general dentist acts as a gatekeeper, referring patients to the OMFS for situations that involve deeper anatomical structures or require hospital-level care. This collaborative model ensures patients receive treatment from the professional with the most appropriate level of surgical expertise.
Common Procedures Performed by Surgical Dentists
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the experts in procedures that involve the complex bone structure of the face and jaw.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most frequent surgical procedures they perform is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, or third molars, which are teeth that have failed to fully erupt and are often trapped within the jawbone. This requires precise surgical skill to remove the tooth and surrounding bone without damaging adjacent nerves or structures.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
Another common procedure is the placement of dental implants, which involves surgically inserting titanium fixtures into the jawbone to serve as anchors for replacement teeth. The surgeon must carefully assess the bone density and volume, sometimes performing a bone graft to augment the jaw before the implant can be successfully placed. Bone grafting uses transplanted bone material to rebuild and fortify the jaw where mass has been lost due to disease or trauma.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Surgical dentists also treat conditions that affect the alignment and function of the jaw itself. Corrective jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, is performed to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, to correct severe bite misalignments that cannot be fixed with orthodontics alone. This procedure improves chewing function and can alleviate chronic jaw pain.
Facial Trauma Restoration
These specialists are often called upon to manage injuries to the face, mouth, and jaws, such as those sustained in accidents. Facial trauma restoration involves repairing fractured facial bones, including the jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets, and treating severe lacerations to the soft tissues. The goal of this delicate work is to restore both the functional integrity and the aesthetic appearance of the face.
Training and Qualifications of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
The path to becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon begins with four years of dental school, resulting in a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. Following this, the aspiring specialist must complete a rigorous, hospital-based surgical residency program that typically lasts four to six years. This period of intense, hands-on training distinguishes them from general dentists.
During their residency, OMFS trainees rotate through various medical services, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, and general surgery, to gain a broad understanding of the patient’s systemic health. A significant portion of this training is dedicated to anesthesiology, which qualifies them to safely administer all levels of sedation, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia, in an office or hospital setting. This comprehensive exposure allows them to manage complex patients with co-existing health conditions.
After successfully completing the residency, many specialists pursue board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Achieving this certification involves passing a comprehensive written examination followed by a rigorous oral examination, demonstrating expertise and commitment to the highest standards of surgical care. This extensive post-doctoral education provides patients with assurance that the specialist is fully qualified to handle the most complex surgical needs of the face and jaw.