Understanding the difference between an oral surgeon and a periodontist can be pretty confusing. This is because they both perform the same procedures and specialize in totally different areas of dentistry. Therefore, knowing the difference between the two professionals is vital, especially if you want surgery.
Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures associated with diseases and deformities in the jaw, face, and mouth. In addition, they can treat cancerous tumors in your mouth, perform complex tooth removal, fix congenital disabilities, and address traumatic jaw injuries. Keep in mind that oral surgeons are also licensed to give anesthesia. To become an oral surgeon, they must graduate from dental school and take up additional training. What makes oral surgeons better than general dentists is that most general dentists lack sufficient training and experience. This is why some general dentists refer patients to oral surgeons for more complex procedures.
Periodontist
Periodontists can also perform oral surgery. However, they are limited to performing surgery on the soft and hard tissues in your mouth. They are also responsible for looking after your dental and ensuring they function accordingly. When it comes to the educational background, periodontists also complete dental school and get additional training. The only difference is that they focus on a distinct aspect of dentistry. Periodontists are slightly better than general dentists because they can handle more complex procedures. For instance, general dentists can treat gum disease early, but they refer advanced cases to periodontists. Some of the standard procedures performed by periodontists are scaling, root planing, pocket reduction procedures, and root surface debridement.
Therefore, there isn’t a huge difference between oral surgeons and periodontists. The only difference is the level of training and experience. Contact us for more information on the differences between oral surgeons and periodontists.
