Can dentists perform surgery?

Yes, dentists can perform certain types of surgery within their scope of practice. While general dentists primarily focus on preventive and restorative dental care, they are also trained to perform minor surgical procedures.

It's important to note that there are different levels of surgical procedures, and the extent to which a dentist can perform surgery depends on their training, experience, and qualifications. Some dentists may choose to specialize in oral surgery or pursue additional training to perform more complex surgical procedures.

Types of dental surgery:

1. Extractions: Dentists are trained to perform tooth extractions, including simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions involve removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible, while surgical extractions are more complex and may require the dentist to make an incision to access the tooth.

2. Dental implant placement: Dentists can also perform dental implant surgery, which involves placing artificial tooth roots into the jawbone to support dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

3. Periodontal surgery: Dentists may also perform periodontal surgery to treat advanced gum disease. This may involve removing infected tissue, reshaping the gums, or regenerating bone and tissue.

4. Apicoectomy: Dentists with specialized training in endodontics may perform apicoectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth root and treat persistent infections or inflammation.

5. Pre-prosthetic surgery: Dentists may perform pre-prosthetic surgery to prepare the mouth for the placement of dental prosthetics. This may involve removing excess bone or tissue, reshaping the jawbone, or smoothing rough surfaces.

Dentist vs. oral surgeon:

While dentists can perform certain surgical procedures, there are some complex surgeries that may require the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral surgeons are dental specialists who have completed additional years of training in surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face.

Oral surgeons are typically involved in more complex procedures such as orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery), facial trauma reconstruction, dental implant surgery, and removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

Conclusion:

In summary, dentists can perform various types of surgery within their scope of practice, including extractions, dental implant placement, periodontal surgery, apicoectomy, and pre-prosthetic surgery. However, for more complex surgical procedures, it may be necessary to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has specialized training and expertise in these areas.

If you have specific concerns or questions about a particular dental procedure, it's always best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your individual needs.

Dr. David Lee

Oral and maxillofacial surgery, complex dental surgeries, patient comfort, basketball, volunteering

Dr. David Lee is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a focus on complex dental surgeries. He is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest level of care and comfort during their procedures. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and volunteering at his local community center.