Is there a difference in their training and education?
Both dentists and oral surgeons need to complete dental school after receiving a bachelor’s degree. Dental school requires a further four years education and knowledge on top of the time spent gaining the degree to enter into it. There are coursework elements that include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and oral surgery. It is also worth noting that dental students also complete clinical practicum experiences, which helps the students to gain hands-on training in how to diagnose and treat common and rare dental problems.
Upon completion of dental school the students earn the Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. A dentist must also complete a licensure exam to practice in a particular area. However, this is where things differ slightly. After gaining the groundworks in dentistry similar to each role, an oral surgeon will then complete four to six years in a surgical residency. During this time, they receive additional training in areas such as oral pathology, anesthesia, and oral surgery. Once the residency is complete, an oral surgeon completes a board certification examination.
In contrast, although the training is mostly the same. An oral surgeon will spend more time specializing in the surgical element of dental health and hygiene. Depending on what you may be wanting your dentist to do, knowing the level of experience in the specific area is vital to helping you make the decision.
What are the main differences in responsibility?
Dentists and dental surgeons are both professionals in their line of work, and they are naturally involved in oral health care and wellbeing. Dentists will perform routine dental health checkups on patients and also look to monitor their dental hygiene and the condition of their teeth and mouth area. They will also treat things such as cavities and will look to educate their patients on good dental health. Oral surgeons see patients who have more complicated elements when it comes to their dental health. They will perform surgeries on their patients and seek to correct specific dental issues.
What will a dentist do?
Dentists specialize in treating patient’s teeth. You will naturally see a dentist for routine checkups on your teeth and general dental health and hygiene. They can also not only help with teeth issues but also mouth-related problems that may occur such as gum disease. Dentists primarily work in their clinics or specific offices. You may be looking for a Dentist Accepting Medicade Near 77070 that could help you. They also generally tend to operate appointments and follow daytime hours with occasional evening and weekend shifts thrown in.
There main responsibilities include:
- Performing routine check-ups on patients every six months
- Supervising technicians and staff
- Diagnosing and treating issues with the gums and mouth
- Dental restoration including – fillings, sealants, crowns, bridges, and root canals
- Using X-rays to diagnose teeth problems
- Performing tooth extraction
What does an oral surgeon do?
Dentists will need to refer their patients to an oral surgeon if the treatment that their patient requires is more complex and requires surgery. The procedures normally involve the mouth, jaw and even the face. They often will also help and treat cancer patients and accident victims. Sometimes they will work with professionals as part of larger surgical teams. In addition to some of the other responsibilities of a dentist they have some extra things that will look at. These include:
- Teeth extraction
- Tooth extraction that involves bone
- Removing oral tumors and cysts
- Removing soft tissue
- Performing reconstructive surgery on accident victims
- Repairing jaw bones and soft tissues
- Administering all levels of anesthesia
- Performing jaw realignment
What to expect when visiting a dentist?
When you have an appointment with your dentist, this is likely to be something that is routine and scheduled. You are less likely to feel worried or under any assumption that there will be any pain involved. Routine check ups happen mostly every six months, however you may find that you need to see a dentist more often if you have an issue that occurs in your mouth or with your teeth. Here are a few things that you should expect:
- A calm and sterile environment
- Routine checks are normal
- X-rays may take place
- Education on how to prevent issues arising
- Tips on good dental care, health and hygiene
What to expect if you visit an oral surgeon?
You may find that you are booked to see an oral surgeon if your dental issues have surpassed a dentist and you need some extra care and help. An oral surgeon will conduct teeth extractions and other issues that may involve surgical elements. Oral surgeon appointments will be few and far between and you are likely to visit an oral surgeon in the case of an emergency or an appointment that has been scheduled after you have had initial care with your dentist. Here are a few things that you should expect:
- A scheduled appointment
- A surgical treatment
- Treatment in an emergency
- A sterile and calm environment
What you might need to think about when finding a dentist?
Finding a dentist is something that should be a priority to you, so you may want to look at how you can find a Dentist Near 77070. There are a couple of things that you may want to take into consideration when looking for a dentist. These include:
- A professional environment
- A clinic that you feel comfortable with
- A dentist close by to you
Often people are scared of any sort of dental treatment, so it is important for you to ensure that you do what you can to find a dentist that will give you some assurance and confidence. An oral surgeon is often someone that you don’t need to specifically seek out for your dental care. Your dentist that you are registered with is likely to find an oral surgeon close by in the local area or even an oral surgeon specializing in what you need to have done.