Oral Surgeon vs. Common Dentist: Which is Better for Dental Implants
When considering any type of procedure or oral operation, it is important to do due diligence on the prospective dental professional you are considering. Doing so can ensure that you get optimal care and successful results. Although we know insurance can play an important role in selecting a medical professional to perform your procedure, it is still up to you to make a final decision. Many dentists and oral surgeons currently accept tissue patients and provide cash rebates or payment plans to make care more affordable. While teasing, selected medical professionals should not be selected at their own expense. Your smile is an important feature and should not be trusted just for anyone. Oral Surgeon vs. Common Dentist: Which is Better for Dental Implants
If you have just lost teeth or lost the entire dental arch, dental implants provide the ideal dental solution. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are inserted into your jaw bone. They are designed to integrate with surrounding tissues and support crowns, bridges, or implant dents.
Oral Surgeon vs. Common Dentist: Which is Better for Dental Implants
While it is true that a general dentist trained in dental implant placement can perform dental implant surgery, it is often recommended that oral surgeons accustomed to dental implant surgery perform this procedure. Discussed below are four reasons why oral surgeons make great choices for dental implant surgery.
Highest Education Levels General dentists usually spend seven to eight years earning their degree. Depending on their focus, the general dentist will receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). After undergoing the required dental implant training courses and passing their license exams, they are cleaned up for practice.
Oral surgeons, however, continue to complete four to six additional years after completing the dental school. This is most common in hospital-based settings or surgery, allowing them to focus on dental surgical procedures. To obtain the highest level certification, oral surgeons can continue to be board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. When oral surgeons get certified, they follow the highest standards of care and procedure. To maintain this certification, they must take continuing education courses every year.
Extensive Training and Experience Oral surgeons focus their time and efforts in surgical procedures, such as secretive tooth extraction, jaw massage operations, and dental implant placement. Unless the dentist’s primary focus is the placement of dental implants, they spend most of their time doing dental fillings and repairing tooth disorders.
An oral surgeon is more familiar with facial anatomy, neck, mouth, and jawbone and can better treat wounds and diseases in this area. Your oral surgeon will do a full evaluation of your jaw bone using the latest technology to properly install your dental implant. They can also determine if there is bone loss and can provide early treatment, such as a gum transplant, sinus lift surgery, or bone grafting. The most common dentists should outsource this preliminary procedure. The success rate of your implant depends heavily on the health of your jaw bone and the placement of your implants. Offer a Maximum Sedation With operating background, oral surgeon is equipped to provide maximum sedation rate with IV or general anesthesia. Common dental practice is usually only able to offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and in some cases conscious oral medication, such as Valium or Halcion. While together they can turn off the area and help you relax, you will not really fall asleep. Oral surgeons can provide a stronger sedative and you can have peace of mind knowing their facility is certified with basic life support and advanced heart. Equipped to Handle Unexpected Complications Since oral surgeons are educated in anatomical nerves and the workings of facial structures, such as sinuses and jaws, they are better equipped to install dental implants and deal with unexpected problems. While dental implant surgery is low risk, as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. Oral surgeons generally offer more sophisticated tools and technologies than general dentists, allowing them the opportunity to quickly and effectively navigate major sinus or other difficulties, such as a broken bone and tooth infection.