A general dentist manages routine oral health, while an oral surgeon handles complex surgical procedures. Dentists clean teeth, fill cavities, and place crowns or bridges. They monitor gum health and catch early signs of oral disease. Oral surgeons perform extractions, jaw realignment, and reconstructive surgery. These include impacted wisdom teeth, bone grafts, and biopsies. Dentists use local anesthesia for minor procedures, while oral surgeons often use IV sedation or general anesthesia. Training also differs significantly after dental school, with surgeons completing hospital-based residencies. Your referral depends on the complexity, not just the location, of your issue.
Dentists complete four years of dental school, while oral surgeons train for an additional four to six years
Dentists complete four years of dental school, while oral surgeons train for an additional four to six years. After earning a dental degree, surgeons enter residency in hospitals and surgical clinics. This advanced education covers facial trauma, anesthesia, and managing surgical complications. Residents work alongside physicians and anesthesiologists, gaining exposure beyond the dental chair. Oral surgeons may also earn medical degrees or complete fellowships in oncology or craniofacial surgery. General dentists continue their education with focused courses, but do not perform invasive surgical procedures. Their role centers around prevention, restoration, and long-term care, not complex interventions.
Dentists diagnose and treat common problems like cavities, gum disease, and minor tooth pain
Dentists diagnose and treat common problems like cavities, gum disease, and minor tooth pain. They provide cleanings, sealants, fillings, and root canals during regular office visits. Their job includes teaching patients how to maintain oral hygiene and avoid future issues. When an issue goes beyond their scope—like cysts, fractures, or extensive bone loss—they refer to a specialist. Oral surgeons then handle surgical corrections, implants, or more advanced cases. The handoff is based on need, not hierarchy. A dentist is usually your first stop when pain begins or a routine checkup identifies a concern.
Oral surgeons are required for impacted teeth, bone grafting, facial trauma, and some dental implant placements
Oral surgeons are required for impacted teeth, bone grafting, facial trauma, and some dental implant placements. Impacted wisdom teeth are a common referral, often buried deep in the jawbone. Surgeons assess nerve proximity and remove them under sedation. Facial injuries, broken jaws, or large cysts fall outside general dentistry. Implant cases needing sinus lifts or ridge expansion also go to surgeons. These procedures require precise incisions, sutures, and advanced imaging. Recovery is monitored closely for swelling, infection, or nerve damage. Dentists may assist with planning, but surgery belongs to the surgeon’s domain.
General dentists can place implants, but complex cases often require surgical planning and advanced anatomical knowledge
General dentists can place implants, but complex cases often require surgical planning and advanced anatomical knowledge. Not every implant patient is simple. Bone density, nerve location, and sinus proximity shape treatment. Dentists can place straightforward implants using digital guides or 3D scans. But surgeons manage patients needing grafts or full-arch reconstructions. Their knowledge includes controlling bleeding, handling complications, and stabilizing irregular bone. Collaboration is common, especially when the prosthetic phase follows a surgical one. Dentists design the crowns while surgeons secure the posts. It’s a partnership that depends on communication, not competition.
Anesthesia use differs—oral surgeons use IV sedation, while dentists rely mostly on local anesthetics
Anesthesia use differs—oral surgeons use IV sedation, while dentists rely mostly on local anesthetics. Most dental procedures, like fillings or simple extractions, require only numbing gel or injectable lidocaine. More complex treatments, such as wisdom tooth removal or jaw surgery, demand deeper sedation. Oral surgeons are trained in airway management and monitored sedation protocols. They use sedation for patient comfort and to reduce movement during delicate operations. Dentists may use nitrous oxide or light sedation, but rarely beyond conscious levels. Safety requires certification, equipment, and experienced staff—standards met during surgical residency.
Dentists work in private practices, while oral surgeons often split time between clinics and hospitals
Dentists work in private practices, while oral surgeons often split time between clinics and hospitals. Dentists see patients for exams, cleanings, and minor treatments. Their offices focus on long-term relationships and ongoing care. Oral surgeons may operate in surgery centers, hospital operating rooms, or dental offices with surgical suites. Hospital work includes emergencies, trauma cases, or operating room procedures under general anesthesia. Scheduling varies, and some surgeons travel between locations each week. Their environment demands collaboration with radiologists, oncologists, and anesthesiologists when needed. Access to equipment like CT scans and surgical tools also influences site selection.
Referrals happen when the general dentist identifies a case beyond their training or equipment capacity
Referrals happen when the general dentist identifies a case beyond their training or equipment capacity. This isn’t about limitation—it’s about choosing the right expertise. Removing a broken molar near a nerve requires precision to avoid permanent damage. Treating a jaw cyst involves biopsy, imaging, and follow-up. General dentists initiate care, then send patients where outcomes improve. Surgeons complete the difficult part, and patients return to the dentist afterward. These transitions require trust between professionals. Patients benefit when both roles are clear and respected. No single provider can solve every problem, especially when surgery enters the picture.
Pain management and recovery support differ, especially for procedures involving bone, nerves, or multiple incisions
Pain management and recovery support differ, especially for procedures involving bone, nerves, or multiple incisions. Dentists prescribe mild pain relievers for routine treatments. Oral surgeons manage swelling, infection risk, and nerve sensitivity following surgery. Recovery instructions are more detailed, including ice, soft foods, and limited physical activity. Surgeons follow up with stitch checks, radiographs, and healing assessments. Post-op care often includes antibiotic regimens and nerve evaluations. Patients should understand expectations beforehand to reduce anxiety and improve healing. Clear aftercare reduces emergency calls and repeat visits. Differences in procedure depth explain why post-treatment support also varies.
Understanding the scope and training of each provider helps patients seek the right care at the right time
Understanding the scope and training of each provider helps patients seek the right care at the right time. Dentists manage oral health from cleanings to root canals and cosmetic work. Surgeons handle the surgical, the traumatic, the structurally complicated. Knowing who does what prevents wasted time, repeated exams, or unnecessary discomfort. It builds smoother treatment paths and more predictable outcomes. Asking questions early clears confusion about referrals or costs. This isn’t about who is better—it’s about who is trained for what. Navigating your care becomes easier when you understand those distinctions.