At Southern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, we are dedicated to patient-first, results-driven care. Oral surgery isn’t just about treatment—it’s about ensuring the best outcomes with precision and safety.
What Sets Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Apart from General Dentists?
Choosing the right provider for your oral health is important. While general dentists handle a broad range of treatments, certain procedures require the advanced training and expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Both general dentists and oral surgeons complete four years of dental school. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue with an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training, where they gain hands-on experience in:
- Surgical extractions, including wisdom teeth
- Dental implant placement & bone grafting
- Anesthesia & IV sedation
- Jaw reconstruction & facial trauma treatment
- Treatment of oral and maxillofacial pathology
- Medicine, Surgery, ENT, Craniofacial Surgery, and Plastic surgery
General Dentists – Handle routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and preventive care. Some may perform basic extractions.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons – Specialize in surgical procedures of the teeth, mouth, and jaw, including:
- Complex wisdom teeth removal
- Dental implant placement and full-mouth restoration
- Bone grafting & sinus lifts for implant support
- Surgical treatment of oral and facial lesions
- TMJ disorder treatment
- Facial cosmetic procedures (laser treatments, fillers, Botox, thread lifts, RF surgery)
Education & Training
Both general dentists and oral surgeons complete four years of dental school. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue with an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training, where they gain hands-on experience in:
Scope Of Practice
General Dentists – Handle routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and preventive care. Some may perform basic extractions.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons – Specialize in surgical procedures of the teeth, mouth, and jaw, including:
If you’re unsure whether a general dentist or an oral surgeon is the right choice for your procedure, we’re happy to assess your case and provide guidance.
