Many people are confused about when they need an oral surgeon versus their regular dentist. Both are dental professionals, but they have different training, expertise, and scope of practice. Knowing the difference helps you get the right care at the right time.
This guide explains the key distinctions between oral surgeons and general dentists, what procedures each performs, when you need a referral to a specialist, and how to decide which provider is best for your situation.
Quick Answer: General dentists handle routine care (cleanings, fillings, crowns). Oral surgeons are specialists trained in complex surgical procedures (impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw surgery, facial trauma). If your dentist can't perform a procedure or it's too complex, they'll refer you to an oral surgeon.
What Is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider—the professional you see for regular checkups, cleanings, and most dental treatments.
Training & Education:
- 4 years of dental school after completing a bachelor's degree
- Earns either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree
- Both degrees are equivalent—just different naming conventions by schools
- Total training: 8 years (4 years undergrad + 4 years dental school)
What General Dentists Do:
- Routine dental exams and cleanings
- Cavity fillings (composite, amalgam)
- Root canals (simpler cases)
- Crowns, bridges, and veneers
- Simple tooth extractions (fully erupted, non-impacted teeth)
- Dentures and partial dentures
- Gum disease treatment (scaling, root planing)
- Oral cancer screenings
- Preventive care and patient education
Think of your general dentist like a primary care physician: They handle most of your routine needs and refer you to specialists when necessary.
What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS, often called an "oral surgeon") is a dental specialist with advanced surgical training focused on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck.
Training & Education:
- 4 years of dental school (earning DDS or DMD)
- 4-6 years of hospital-based surgical residency after dental school
- Some complete a medical degree (MD or DO) during residency (dual-degree training)
- Total training: 12-14 years (4 undergrad + 4 dental school + 4-6 residency)
Why the extra training matters: Oral surgeons are the only dental specialists trained in administering all levels of anesthesia (local, IV sedation, general anesthesia) and performing complex surgeries in a hospital setting.
What Oral Surgeons Do:
- Wisdom teeth removal (especially impacted teeth)
- Dental implant placement (surgical insertion of titanium posts)
- Complex tooth extractions (broken teeth, impacted teeth, surgical removal)
- Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for misalignment, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders
- Facial trauma treatment (broken jaws, facial bones, lacerations)
- Bone grafting for implants or tooth loss
- Pathology treatment (oral tumors, cysts, lesions)
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Sleep apnea surgery
- Facial reconstruction
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment
Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect |
General Dentist |
Oral Surgeon |
| Education |
4 years dental school
(8 years total) |
4 years dental school + 4-6 years residency
(12-14 years total) |
| Focus |
Preventive care, routine treatment |
Surgical procedures, complex cases |
| Anesthesia |
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide |
All types: local, IV sedation, general |
| Typical Visit |
Dental office |
Surgical center or hospital |
| Procedures |
Cleanings, fillings, crowns, simple extractions |
Wisdom teeth, implants, jaw surgery, trauma |
| Hospital Privileges |
Typically no |
Yes (can perform surgery in hospitals) |
When to See a General Dentist
You Should See Your Dentist For:
- Routine checkups: Every 6 months for cleanings and exams
- Cavities: Fillings, onlays, inlays
- Cosmetic work: Teeth whitening, veneers, bonding
- Simple extractions: Fully erupted, non-impacted teeth
- Crowns and bridges: Restoring damaged teeth
- Gum issues: Gingivitis, early gum disease
- Toothaches: Initial diagnosis and treatment
- Dentures: Full or partial removable teeth
When to See an Oral Surgeon
You Need an Oral Surgeon When:
- Wisdom teeth are impacted: Stuck under gums or bone
- You need dental implants: Surgical placement of permanent replacements
- Complex extractions: Broken teeth, teeth with curved roots, surgical removal needed
- Jaw pain or TMJ disorders: Chronic jaw problems requiring surgery
- Facial trauma: Broken jaw, cheekbone, or facial lacerations
- Severe infection: Abscess spreading to face or neck
- Oral pathology: Cysts, tumors, lesions requiring biopsy
- Sleep apnea surgery: Jaw repositioning for airway obstruction
- Cleft lip/palate: Congenital facial deformities
- You need IV sedation or general anesthesia: For anxiety or complex procedures
How Do Referrals Work?
In most cases, your general dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon when needed. Here's how it typically works:
- Dentist identifies the need: During an exam or X-ray, your dentist sees a problem requiring surgical expertise (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth)
- Referral is made: Dentist provides a written referral, sends X-rays, and recommends specific oral surgeons
- You schedule a consultation: Meet with the oral surgeon to discuss treatment options, costs, and timing
- Procedure is performed: Oral surgeon performs the surgery
- Follow-up care: Surgeon handles post-op appointments; you return to your dentist for routine care
Can you go directly to an oral surgeon? Yes! You don't always need a referral. If you know you need wisdom teeth removal, implants, or have jaw pain, you can schedule directly with an oral surgeon. However, starting with your dentist ensures proper diagnosis and coordination of care.
Common Scenarios: Who Should You See?
Scenario 1: Wisdom Teeth
Question: My wisdom teeth hurt. Dentist or oral surgeon?
Answer: Start with your dentist for diagnosis. They'll take X-rays to determine if teeth are impacted. If impacted or difficult to remove, they'll refer you to an oral surgeon.
Scenario 2: Dental Implant
Question: I want to replace a missing tooth with an implant. Who do I see?
Answer: Oral surgeon places the implant surgically. Your dentist attaches the crown on top. Some dentists can place simple implants, but complex cases (bone grafts, sinus lifts) require an oral surgeon.
Scenario 3: Simple Extraction
Question: I need a tooth pulled. Should I see an oral surgeon?
Answer: If the tooth is fully erupted and not broken, your dentist can likely remove it. If the tooth is impacted, broken below the gumline, or you're anxious and want sedation, see an oral surgeon.
Scenario 4: Jaw Pain (TMJ)
Question: My jaw hurts and clicks. Dentist or oral surgeon?
Answer: Start with your dentist. Most TMJ cases resolve with conservative treatment (nightguard, physical therapy). If surgery is needed, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon.
Scenario 5: Facial Injury
Question: I fell and broke my jaw. Where do I go?
Answer: Emergency room first for stabilization, then oral surgeon for surgical repair. Oral surgeons are trained in facial trauma and jaw reconstruction.
Can General Dentists Perform Surgery?
Some general dentists perform minor surgical procedures like simple extractions or basic gum surgery. However:
- Limited scope: Dentists typically handle only straightforward cases
- No advanced anesthesia: Most can't provide IV sedation or general anesthesia
- Referrals for complexity: When a case is complicated, ethical dentists refer to specialists
Know your dentist's limitations: A good dentist recognizes when a case exceeds their training and refers appropriately. Beware of dentists who attempt complex procedures beyond their expertise—this increases complication risk.
Working Together: Team-Based Care
Dentists and oral surgeons collaborate to provide comprehensive care:
- Before surgery: Dentist diagnoses issue, takes X-rays, provides referral
- During surgery: Oral surgeon performs procedure
- After surgery: Surgeon manages immediate recovery; dentist resumes routine care
- Restorative work: For implants, surgeon places post, dentist attaches crown
This team approach ensures you get specialized expertise when needed while maintaining continuity of care with your regular dentist.
Need to Find an Oral Surgeon?
Search our directory of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, read reviews, compare credentials, and schedule consultations.
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The Bottom Line
General dentists and oral surgeons both play essential roles in your oral health, but they serve different purposes:
- General dentists: Your primary care provider for routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and preventive care
- Oral surgeons: Specialists with extensive surgical training for complex procedures like wisdom teeth, implants, jaw surgery, and trauma
When in doubt, start with your dentist. They'll evaluate your situation and refer you to an oral surgeon if necessary. Both work together to ensure you receive the highest quality care.
Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect, who to call, and how to navigate your dental treatment with confidence.
Medical Sources & References
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). "What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?" https://myoms.org/what-is-an-oms/
- American Dental Association (ADA). "Dental Specialties: General Dentistry vs Specialists." https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). "Accreditation Standards for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Programs." https://www.ada.org/coda
- American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. "Board Certification Standards and Requirements." https://www.aboms.org/
- Mayo Clinic. "Oral Surgery: When You Need a Specialist." https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA). "Dental Education Pathways and Specialties." https://www.adea.org/
Last Updated: January 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified dental professionals for personalized recommendations.
