The short answer is yes. General dentists aren’t only good for teeth cleanings or to fill cavities. A general dentist is able to perform simple procedures and oral surgeries on patients too.
General Dentist Doing Oral Surgery
General dentists work alongside specialists and offer a wide range of services for individuals of all ages, including diagnosing and treating dental problems, performing routine cleanings and exams, and providing education on proper oral hygiene practices. Regular visits to a general dentist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing serious dental problems.
There are several scenarios where patients may require oral surgery from their general dentists, whether it’s root canals, a dental implant or complex tooth extractions. While more complex surgeries may require oral and maxillofacial surgeons, some oral health issues can be assessed and performed by a general dentist in the chair.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are a dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth or teeth as a result of tooth decay, crowding or damage. A general dentist can perform both complex tooth extractions and simple extractions. Typically, a general dentist will perform a single tooth extraction under local anaesthesia where the tooth is visible above the gum line, making it easier to remove from its place.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Another common dental procedure executed by general dental specialists is wisdom teeth extractions, which involves removing one or more wisdom teeth which are typically located at the back of the mouth. This oral surgery is required when the teeth begin to emerge from the gumline in a crowded mouth causing pain, infection and gum inflammation or damage to the surrounding teeth.
Root Canals
Dental work and further dental surgery may be necessary to save damaged or infected or impacted teeth. A general dentist or oral surgeon can perform root canals on patients. This procedure involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, replacing it with a filling material. A dentist will recommend this treatment plan if teeth have deep decay, cracks or trauma causing the pulp to be infected or inflamed.
Dental Implants
Dentists and oral surgeons have the means and qualifications to provide their patients with dental implants. This dental treatment plan is required to replace missing or damaged teeth. The dental professional is popular for individuals who have lost their teeth due to injury, tooth decay or other oral health problems.
What’s the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a General Dentist?
An oral surgeon and a general dentist have both undergone the tertiary training required from their bachelor’s degree at dental school. Although, maxillofacial surgeons, also known as oral surgeons, undergo additional training and education typically followed by a surgical residency in a hospital with more hands-on training.
Oral Surgeon vs General Dentists
An oral surgeon specialises in more complex surgeries that encompass a range of dental surgery procedures, like dealing with oral health issues surrounding the soft and hard tissues of the mouth, jaw and face. An oral surgeon also has the qualification for cancer diagnosis, tumour removal and treatments.
A general dentist tackles more common dental problems that may arise and the maintenance of dental hygiene, whether it’s for regular cleanings or filling cavities. Patients should first consult and visit their dentist if feeling any sort of dental oral health discomfort or pain before choosing oral surgery as an immediate treatment option should they require surgery.
Contact Signature Smile Dental
If you’re asking yourself if you should see a general dentist or an oral surgeon, Signature Smile Dental in Randwick and Sans Souci are the dental specialists that will take care of you.
Reach out and visit one of our two locations and enquire about your next dental appointment today.
