Choosing the right dental professional is important when it comes to maintaining your oral health. While both dentists and oral surgeons play critical roles, understanding the difference between the two is essential in determining when you need a specialist. Dr. Chris Tye, an experienced oral surgeon in Fort Worth, explains how to identify when you need to see a dentist versus an oral surgeon and what each professional specializes in.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
Dentists are your primary oral healthcare providers. They perform routine dental exams, cleanings, and various procedures to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Dentists are skilled in:
- Preventive care: This includes regular cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Restorative procedures: Dentists fill cavities, place crowns, and manage basic tooth extractions.
- Cosmetic treatments: Teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding are common cosmetic services provided by general dentists.
For everyday dental care, a general dentist is who you’ll visit regularly. However, there are cases where more advanced treatment is required—this is when a referral to a specialist, like an oral surgeon, becomes necessary.
What Is an Oral Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (commonly referred to as oral surgeons) are specialists trained in surgery involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Oral surgeons like Dr. Chris Tye in Fort Worth complete several additional years of education beyond dental school. They are qualified to handle complex dental procedures, including those involving facial structures, bones, and soft tissues. Some of the procedures that oral surgeons commonly perform include:
- Wisdom teeth removal: When wisdom teeth become impacted or fail to emerge properly, an oral surgeon is often required to remove them safely.
- Dental implants: Oral surgeons specialize in placing dental implants, which require surgical insertion into the jawbone.
- Jaw surgery: For patients with misaligned jaws or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, oral surgery can correct functional and aesthetic issues.
- Trauma surgery: Oral surgeons treat facial injuries resulting from accidents, such as broken jaws or damaged teeth.
- Bone grafting: In cases where a patient’s jawbone is too weak to support dental implants, an oral surgeon can perform bone grafting to rebuild the jaw structure.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
A dentist will usually be the one to refer you to an oral surgeon. However, there are certain signs that may indicate you need the specialized care of an oral surgeon right away:
- Severe tooth pain that doesn’t respond to typical treatments.
- Impacted wisdom teeth that cause swelling, infection, or jaw pain.
- A broken or misaligned jaw after an accident or injury.
- The need for a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
- Chronic jaw pain or difficulty chewing due to TMJ disorders.
Visit Our Oral Surgeon in Fort Worth
While your general dentist is the go-to professional for maintaining oral health, some issues require the expertise of an oral surgeon. Dr. Chris Tye, a leading oral surgeon in Fort Worth, specializes in a wide range of complex dental and facial procedures. If you suspect you need more advanced care, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and ensure your oral health is in expert hands.
