Did you know that a single visit to a dentist can cost anywhere between $50 to $350 depending on what work was carried out? While a simple tooth removal at an oral surgeon can cost anywhere between $75 to $450.
How much do you know about the differences between a dentist vs oral surgeon? Do the two professions go hand in hand? Read on below to get a clear understanding of the differences between them!
Dentist Vs Oral Surgeon: Education
The requirements for a dentist vs oral surgeon are quite similar. They both have to complete dental school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s degree takes around 4 years for full-time studying and students learn a variety of subjects like anatomy and physiology.
The difference lies in that after the bachelor’s degree and dental school, a dentist must complete a licensing exam to practice in a particular field. In contrast, an oral surgeon will have to complete a 4 to 6-year surgery residence at an accredited practice. Following the residency, they will then have to undertake a board certification exam before coming fully licensed.
When Should You Go to a Dentist?
Dentists operate in a private office, and you should only go to a dentist for general maintenance and preservation of the teeth and mouth. A general checkup should be done yearly or twice yearly if you’ve had poor dental hygiene in the past. The responsibilities of a dentist are:
- Doing routine checkups
- Treating issues with your gums and mouth
- Doing fillings, crowns, and root canals
- Use of x-rays
- Extracting teeth if necessary
- Developing treatment plans
- Preventive dental care
When Should You Go to an Oral Surgeon?
Dentists often refer patients to an oral surgeon when the requirements of the job are out of the scope of what they are able to do. This usually involves procedures of the jaw, mouth, and even the face. In addition to most of the responsibilities of a dentist, an oral surgeon is also responsible for:
- Impacted teeth extraction like wisdom teeth removal
- More complex teeth extractions involving the jawbones
- Doing dental implants
- Removing tumors and cysts
- Doing reconstruction surgery on accident victims
- Repairing your Jaw
- Administering anesthesia
- Jaw realignment surgeries
Who Should Be Responsible for Your Teeth?
In short, a dentist should be responsible for the well-being of your dental hygiene. An oral surgeon is more than capable of caring for your teeth, but they should only be sought if you have a complex procedure or if you break your jaw.
Make use of this dentist for best results and to keep your teeth healthy.
Take Care of Your Teeth!
Toothache and gum disease will leave a patient in excruciating pain, and it’s not something you want to go through. Taking care of your mouth will leave you healthy. A dentist vs oral surgeon, go to either one today!
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