What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai? 

Practice sets a dentist apart from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai. Most people get confused on what types of dental surgeons should be consulted. If you are looking to understand dentist vs oral surgeon roles, you have come to the right place. Essentially, the main difference between dentist and oral surgeon is that the two practitioners have differences in their areas of specialty and procedures.  

In this blog, we will explain the many differences between dentist and oral surgeon so you can make better decisions for your dental care. Once you understand who does what in the dentistry world, you can book an appointment at the best dental clinic in Dubai. But before, we should understand the types of dental surgeons and then get rolling! 

Understanding The Role of General Dentist to Differentiate Between Dentist and Oral Surgeon   
    

If a person has dental problems, consulting a general dentist would be one of the first steps, and then proper oral care and hygiene would have to be established. A general dentist helps you to prevent simple problems as well as common problems associated with the oral cavity and diagnoses and treats other types of conditions. In Dubai dental hospital, a general dentist provides:  

• Routine check-up and cleaning of teeth 

• Preparation for an existence, filling the same 

• Root canal 

• Removal of a tooth in minor cases 

• Gum diseases 

• Services related to cosmetic dentistry in Dubai 

• Preventive care: application of fluoride and sealants 

Who is An Oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai?  

Before we jump to understand the key difference between dentist and oral surgeon, let’s introduce ourselves with the basics of oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). After graduation, the OMS must study further or go on to a higher dental institute or work with a highly trained specialist to perform complex surgical operations.  

Among such postgraduate specializations in surgical specialty are a number of surgical specialties; these include complex extractions of the impacted wisdom tooth, multiple extractions cases, and very complicated ones. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons adjust jaw alignment, bite, and other malformation in the shape of cleft and other deformity through corrective jaw surgery.  

Dentist Vs. Oral Surgeon: Major Differences 

 An oral surgeon and a general dentist fall in the same industrial domain of dentistry, but if one compares their educational course, training methodology, and service, there are many differences between them. 

1. Education and Training 

One becomes a dentist only after one finishes his/her undergraduate degree followed by four years in dental school. A graduate from dental school would be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai having received a further four to six years of surgical training. 

Or the medical training could be given to the patient in the framework of oral surgery so that the latter could be more exposed to treatment related to complicated surgery of jaw or face operations, thus, the surgery may be referred to the concerned practitioner. 

2. Scope of Practice 

 Preventive and restorative treatments, treatment of all general dental infections, minor surgeries, are often undertaken by dentists. Normally, the complex procedures are carried out by dental surgeons or oral surgeons who also offer 24 hour dental clinic services and among the examples of the complex procedures are reconstructive face surgeries, impacted teeth, or jaw surgery amongst others. 

3. Complexity of Operations 

 If your case is simple like extraction or filling, your dentist can carry out the procedure. In case the procedure is a bone grafting procedure, jaw realignment, or another complicated extraction, you are likely to have to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai.  

Other Types of Dental Surgeons 

Though the most known dentist surgeon is the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai, there are many other specialists of this profession such as: 

• Periodontists: These kinds of dentists deal with working with the cure of gum diseases and implants for the teeth. They treat the pulp of the teeth and do root canal treatment. They offer same day dental implants too. 

• Prosthodontists: They are taught specially to offer crowns, bridges, and dentures to replace lost teeth. 

You can also check about: Tips for Finding an Affordable Implantologist in Dubai 

Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon: Who Treats What? 

If you have a problem with your tooth, you first see a general dentist. A general dentist could diagnose your situation and refer it to another specialized practitioner if it was beyond the reach of treatment. Here’s how to distinguish between them- 

Visit a Dentist for: 

• Check-ups and cleaning 

• Fillings, crowns, and bridges 

• Simple tooth extraction 

• Routine gum disease treatments 

• Cosmetic dentistry and whitening of the teeth 

Visit an Oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai for: 

• Removal of an offending or difficult tooth example, extraction of a wisdom tooth 

• Trauma to or diagnosis of an adverse malocclusion of the facial structure 

• Dental implant 

• Extraction of an odontogenic cyst or tumor 

• Diagnosis or treatment of TMJ disorders 

• Orthognathic surgery 

Conclusion  

A dentist and an oral-maxillofacial surgeon are very important to oral health care. The difference between the two is in the scope of training and the extent of surgery. The general dentist will maintain your routine, but the specialized oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai will address complicated surgeries for you.  

Know when to consult each specialist; this will provide you with an opportunity to benefit from the perfect care suitable to your needs. You should start with the dentist if in any way, you are doubting whether or not you need a dental surgeon.  

They can guide and refer you to an oral surgeon if necessary. Proper dental care and treatment right on time would prevent such complications and also create your long-lasting healthy smile.