General dentistry is an amazing profession, characterized by strong knowledge in a wide range of techniques and topics related to oral healthcare. In fact, general dentists have a skill set that, when it comes to certain conditions and procedures, may be superior to that of a specialist. However, there are times when a patient’s oral health condition or needs may warrant more specialized expertise. THAT is where oral surgeons come in!
What is an Oral Surgeon?
Oral surgeons, like Dr. Vladimir Polyakov, are highly trained dental professionals that specialize in advanced surgical procedures of the mouth, such as bone grafting, advanced tooth extractions, dental implant placement, oral cancer evaluation and treatment, care of facial fractures, and more. Though each oral surgeon typically will have a slightly different area of interest, oral surgeons all undergo advanced training beyond dental school as well as residency training to be able to provide expert advanced oral health care.
When is a General Dentist the Best Route for Your Treatment?
Though oral surgeons are experts at advanced procedures, it is true that many dental conditions can be treated routinely by general dentists. General dentists undergo 4 years of training after college in dental school, and their skill sets include more than just diagnosing cavities. Many general dentists treat a variety of conditions, including basic periodontal disease, cosmetic concerns, tooth whitening, and even provide injections for aesthetics such as Botox.
When Should I Contact An Oral Surgeon?
When your dental health needs go beyond the basic, an oral surgeon is your best bet. Because of their advanced training in implantology, sedation, complex tooth extractions, impactions, treatment of oral pathology and more, oral surgeons can treat beyond the day to day dental care needs. In the case of Dr. Polyakov and our team at Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, our passions include helping people feel good about their smile again by providing long term, advanced options in tooth replacement, such as dental implants and full mouth restorations to give patients their smile back. These procedures go beyond basic dental care and allow patients to enjoy their smile again by use of advanced training and techniques that are specific to dental specialists such as oral surgeons.
Other situations where you might think about contacting an oral surgeon as opposed to your general dentist include finding a dental practitioner who specializes in facial fractures for a fractured jaw, an extraction of a tooth that is broken off below the gum line, extraction of wisdom teeth, particularly those that have become infected or impacted, or evaluation of worrisome sores and cysts in the mouth. However, it is important to note that oral surgeons and general dentists do not work in a vacuum. In fact, in many cases, oral surgeons will collaborate with general dentists to provide patients the best possible outcomes, including, but not limited to, full arch restoration procedures and dental implant treatments. The oral surgeon may place the implants and temporary abutments, but many times the final crown is fabricated and restored by the general dentist. This team approach allows for a healthy professional relationship and provides patients the best possible care and outcomes.
Oral surgery is not for everyone, and it certainly is not necessary or warranted in every dental health situation. Many conditions can be treated routinely by general dentists, such as crowns, fillings, basic extractions, Botox injections, whitening, dental hygiene needs, care of early-stage periodontal disease, and more, allowing for a convenient and skilled approach to maintaining your oral health on a day-to-day basis. However, when your dental health needs call for an advanced skill set, you can count on Dr. Polyakov and our team to rise to the occasion. If you feel that your dental health is in need of a dental specialist to give you your smile back, contact our office to set up your consultation.
