Difference Between a Dentist and an Oral Surgeon

Park Place Dental Group

Dentistry & Cosmetic and Restorative
Dentistry located in Arts Section, Newark, NJ

When it comes to oral health, Essex County dentists in Newark have a variety of dental professionals to choose from, including family dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons. Each of these specialists plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving oral health, but they have distinct areas of expertise. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between a family dentist and an oral surgeon, shedding light on when you should seek the expertise of each. In a previous blog post, we discussed what are the differences between family dentists and general dentists . However, in this blog post, we will understand the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon.


3 Treatments for Gingivitis

Family Dentistry in Newark: A Holistic Approach to Oral Health

Family dentistry in Newark, as the name suggests, caters to patients of all ages, from children to adults. Family dentists are often the first point of contact for patients seeking routine oral care and maintenance. Here are some of the primary responsibilities of a family dentist:

  • Preventive Care: One of the core aspects of family dentistry is preventive care. Family dentists focus on regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays to identify and address issues before they escalate. This proactive approach helps patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
  • Treatment of Common Dental Issues: Family dentistry in Newark is well-equipped to treat common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and toothaches. They can perform dental fillings, extractions, and root canals as needed.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Many family dentists also offer cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening, dental veneers, and orthodontic treatments to enhance the appearance of a patient's smile.
  • Educational Support: Family dentists provide guidance and education to patients about proper oral hygiene practices. They help patients understand the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Referrals: If a patient requires specialized care beyond the scope of general dentistry, family dentists can refer them to specialists like periodontists or oral surgeons.

Periodontists in Newark: Your Experts in Gum Health

A periodontist is a specialist who focuses on the supporting structures of teeth, primarily the gums and bone. They are experts in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases. Here's what periodontists do:

  • Gum Disease Treatment: Periodontists specialize in treating gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. They can perform deep cleanings, scaling, root planing, and surgical procedures to address advanced gum disease.
  • Gum Surgery: When gum disease has advanced significantly or in cases of gum recession, periodontists can perform surgical procedures like gum grafts to restore gum health.
  • Dental Implants: Periodontists in Newark are often the go-to specialists for dental implant placement. They have expertise in assessing a patient's bone density and ensuring the proper placement of implants.
  • Maintenance of Oral Health: Periodontists work closely with patients to manage their gum health, providing ongoing care and guidance to prevent further issues.

Oral Surgeons: Masters of Surgical Expertise for Your Oral Health

Oral surgeons are dental specialists with extensive training in surgical procedures involving the mouth, face, and jaw. Here are some key responsibilities of oral surgeons:

  • Extraction of Impacted Teeth: Oral surgeons are skilled in extracting impacted wisdom teeth and other teeth that cannot be easily removed by a general dentist.
  • Dental Implant Surgery: Like periodontists, oral surgeons perform dental implant surgery, including bone grafting when necessary, to replace missing teeth.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons can perform complex surgical procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery, treatment of facial trauma, and removal of oral tumors.
  • Sedation Dentistry: Oral surgeons are trained in administering anesthesia and sedation to ensure patient comfort during surgery.
  • Treatment of TMJ Disorders: For patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, oral surgeons can provide surgical solutions when conservative treatments are not effective.

Choosing Between an Essex County Dentist and an Oral Surgeon in Newark:

In the world of dental care Essex County dentists in Newark, understanding the roles and differences between family dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons is crucial for patients to receive the appropriate care they need.

Knowing when to visit each type of dental specialist can significantly impact your oral health. Regular visits to a family dentist for preventive care are essential. Still, if you experience issues related to gum health, teeth extractions, dental implants, or require any oral surgery, seeking the expertise of a periodontist or oral surgeon in Newark is the right course of action.

Discover substantiated dental care at its finest. Contact Dr. Myung Hyon at 973-732-3208 to witness top-notch oral health services acclimatized to your requirements. Your trip to a beautiful smile begins then - call us a moment!

WHAT WE OFFER

Conditions & Treatments

LOCATION
Park Place Dental Group
60 Park Place, 1107
Arts Section
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-732-3208
Fax: 973-732-3207
OFFICE HOURS
Monday Closed
Tuesday 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Accessibility Menu