Oral Surgeon vs Dentist: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between an oral surgeon and dentist, including when to see each provider for dental care or oral surgery services.
A general dentist and an oral surgeon both treat issues involving the teeth and mouth, but they do not have the same role. A general dentist usually provides routine and preventive dental care, while an oral and maxillofacial surgeon focuses on surgical treatment involving the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures.
Understanding the difference can help you decide where to start when you need dental care.
What does a general dentist do?
- Dental exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Basic tooth extractions
- Gum health checks
- Preventive care
- Treatment planning
For many patients, a general dentist is the first provider to visit. If the issue requires advanced surgical care, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral surgeon.
What does an oral surgeon do?
An oral surgeon, also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is trained to perform surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaws, teeth, face, and related structures. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery describes oral and maxillofacial surgery as a specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and defects involving the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral tissues.
- Wisdom teeth problems
- Complex tooth extractions
- Dental implant placement
- Jaw problems
- Facial trauma
- Cysts or tumors of the jaw
- Bone grafting needs
- Impacted teeth
- Oral pathology concerns
Can a dentist perform oral surgery?
Some dentists can perform simple oral surgery procedures, such as simple tooth extractions. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that simple extractions may be performed by a general or family dentist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. However, more complex surgical cases may require an oral surgeon.
When should you see a dentist first?
- A cleaning
- A checkup
- A cavity filled
- Tooth pain evaluated
- A crown
- A simple extraction
- General dental advice
- A referral to a specialist
A dentist can evaluate your condition and recommend whether oral surgery is needed.
When should you see an oral surgeon?
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Complex tooth extraction
- Dental implant surgery
- Jaw surgery evaluation
- Facial injury involving the mouth or jaw
- Surgical biopsy
- Bone grafting
- Severe infection requiring surgical care
- Complicated oral surgery procedures
Wisdom teeth removal and dental implants are among the common oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures described by AAOMS. See our oral surgeons near me directory to find a local specialist.
Final thoughts
A dentist is usually the first provider for routine care, diagnosis, and general treatment. An oral surgeon is a specialist for surgical dental and facial conditions. If you are unsure where to start, a general dentist can evaluate your needs and refer you to an oral surgeon when necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Is an oral surgeon a dentist?
Yes. Oral surgeons are dentists with advanced surgical training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Can a general dentist remove teeth?
Yes, general dentists may perform simple extractions, but complex extractions may require an oral surgeon.
When should I search for an oral surgeon near me?
Search for an oral surgeon if you need wisdom teeth removal, complex extraction, implants, jaw-related surgery, or another surgical dental procedure.
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