Dental Implants: Why To Choose an Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon specializes in all types of surgeries involving the maxillofacial area, including dental implants. The popularity of dental implants is rising, and more and more dental professionals are offering these procedures. Though the dental implant procedure is fairly simple, who you choose to perform it matters. Working with an oral surgeon means getting treatment from a skilled specialist with in-depth experience and knowledge of dental implants and related procedures.

What is an oral surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a dentist specializing in a range of surgeries in the mouth and maxillofacial region. They perform a number of procedures, from tooth extractions to more complex jaw surgeries, and treat diseases and injuries in the areas in and around the mouth. Unlike a general dentist, an oral surgeon has years of additional training and experience beyond dental school in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Reasons to choose an oral surgeon

There are many benefits to having your dental implant procedure performed by an oral surgeon. Here are some of the key advantages:

Training and Education

Oral surgeons have additional education and training beyond dental school in oral surgery. According to The American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, an oral surgeon's typical training includes:

• An undergraduate degree
• 4 years of dental school
• 4 to 6 years of residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery

In addition, an oral surgeon typically participates in ongoing education to stay current with the latest technologies and surgical techniques.

More surgical experience

Unlike general dentists who perform a range of standard dental procedures and cleanings for routine dental care, oral surgeons focus solely on surgical procedures. Therefore, they perform oral surgeries, including dental implant placements and related procedures, regularly. This additional hands-on experience means they have encountered a wider range of dental implant cases, helping them determine the most effective treatment option for each patient.

Better equipped for complications

Though problems with dental implant procedures are rare, they do happen. Oral surgeons are more likely to have experience dealing with multiple treatment scenarios, complex treatment cases, and surgical complications. Therefore, they are better prepared to handle complications should they arise and manage them successfully.

Experience with sedation and anesthesia

Oral surgeons are skilled at managing pain and keeping patients comfortable during surgery. Dental implant procedures are likely to require some sort of sedation or anesthesia. It takes special knowledge and skill to administer these drugs safely and effectively. Anesthesia is a significant part of an oral surgeon's training, and they understand the potential side effects and complications the patient may experience.