Mouths are complex organs that require personalized, specific dental services from time to time. Because patients have access to various dental providers in their area, it can be tricky to know which type of dental professional can best serve their present needs. Knowing the clear distinctions between general dentists and Oral Maxillofacial surgeons “near me,” like Dr. Chris Tye of Texas Oral Specialists in Colleyville, TX, can help you decide when scheduling your next dentistry appointment.
Education and Residency
First and foremost, education and experience create distinctions between general dentists and Oral Maxillofacial surgeons. After earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, both general dentists and Oral Maxillofacial surgeons must complete dental school. Here, dental students learn about anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathology, and oral surgery. Additionally, dental students gain hands-on knowledge through clinical experiences. Once a dental student has obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, he or she must complete a licensure test to practice in a specific area of dentistry.
Conversely, Oral Maxillofacial surgeons must complete four to six years of surgical residency and a board certification examination. What makes Dr. Tye stand out among other Oral Maxillofacial surgeons county and state-wide? You might be surprised to discover that he was the first Tarrant County Oral Maxillofacial surgeon to earn dual degrees (MD and DDS). Also, he was the first Oral Surgeon in Texas to gain esteemed accreditation for exemplary standards in patient care.
Scope of Services
If you need preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry services, speak with your general dentist. General dentists are primary care providers and are responsible for most dentistry services. For example, you visit your general dentist for routine x-rays, comprehensive dental health screenings, and dental cleanings. Likewise, many general dentists offer restorative dentistry services to rebuild your smile, namely dental fillings, crowns, and dentures. On top of that, your general dentist may offer teeth whitening, veneers, and other methods to improve how your smile looks.
On the contrary, Dr. Tye prioritizes performing simple and complex oral surgery to correct various conditions impacting the mouth, face, and jaw. When a patient has a problem beyond the scope of a general dentist’s expertise, he or she refers patients to an oral surgeon. Meet with a board-certified oral surgeon if you need a wisdom tooth removed, bone grafting, and other extensive oral surgeries.
Surgery Experience
Even though a general dentist may perform dental implant surgery occasionally, a general dentist’s primary role is to perform non-surgical dentistry services, such as teeth cleaning.
Naturally, focusing solely on oral maxillofacial surgery allows Oral Maxillofacial surgeons to have more experience in the art and science of surgery. Hence, it makes sense to go to an oral surgeon if you need oral surgery.
Are you searching for an “Oral Maxillofacial surgeon near me?” Dr. Tye is your guy!
It’s easy to be overwhelmed when deciding between dental professionals. But, if you need oral surgery, type in “Oral Maxillofacial surgeon near me” into your favorite search engine and find a local oral surgeon that can perform oral surgeries with a high level of experience and expertise.
If you live in or near Colleyville, consider Dr. Tye. He carries a reputation and commitment to excellent oral surgery and is eager to improve your oral health comfortably and effectively. Schedule a consultation for oral surgery in DFW by calling (817) 552-3223 or messaging us online.