About Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons, also known as maxillofacial surgeons, are specialists who perform dental extractions, implants and other oral surgery procedures. All dentists are trained to do simple extractions, but oral surgeons can perform much more difficult dental work by using sedation and special equipment. 

Education and Associations

After dental school, oral surgeons receive four more years of advanced training at a hospital to learn anesthesiology, surgery and internal medicine. They spend extra time learning about the soft and hard tissues of the face and surrounding areas. The hospital must be an accredited program approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). They also may be a member of The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. This organization provides education on new technological advances, surgery procedures and other aspects of the specialty. Members must:

• Keep up with continuing education credits


• Increase their skills


• Understand the rules and regulations regarding patient care

Types of Surgeries Performed

Oral surgeons remove impacted molars and decayed teeth. However, they also do root canals, dental implants and corrective jaw surgery. An oral surgeon understands how to treat face, neck and jaw abnormalities. Oral surgeons are skilled to perform advanced:

• Tempormandibular joint surgery


• Craniofacial surgery


• Dentoalveolar surgery


• Cosmetic surgery

Anesthesia

They use anesthesia to perform surgeries, with special tools to remove and repair damage to the teeth and jaw. Understanding the correct way to administer medications and monitor patients under sedation is a crucial part of their job. Patients with heart valve conditions  are especially susceptible to problems and should be monitored at all times. Surgeons must react quickly if or when problems do occur.

Surgeons of this type are highly advanced and skilled professionals who improve their patients' quality of life.