When you have questions or concerns about your oral health, schedule an appointment with a professional. But how can you tell if you should contact a dentistry or dental surgery practice? The following guide outlines the differences between the two to ensure you get the care you need. 

Titles

A dentist is a professional with the title of DDS, which refers to Doctor of Dental Surgery. Those who perform dental surgery, on the other hand, hold the title of DMD, which refers to Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine.

However, although the names are different, both degrees indicate that the individual is qualified and authorized to offer dental care services. Both titles require the professional to undergo the same education and are equal in terms of degree levels.

The primary difference lies in the additional education and training surgeons undergo to prepare for their work. For example, they might obtain additional certifications, such as one from the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

They might also pursue fellowships after graduation to garner more hands-on experience. Typically, these take one to two years and are focused on areas like cranio-maxillofacial trauma, cosmetic facial surgery, or reconstructing a patient’s head or neck after they’ve been affected by cancer. 

Services

Although the titles are similar, the services provided by the two professionals are different. Dentists are responsible for the overall care and monitoring of a patient’s oral health. They perform routine exams and cleanings, take X-rays, provide cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneer implants, outfit dentures for patients, and prescribe medications to treat issues. Dentists are also responsible for monitoring the patient’s gums, checking for issues like swelling, receding, or the development of gum disease. 

Dental surgeons, on the other hand, focus their efforts specifically on services related to dental surgery. This may include performing extractions, root canals, wisdom teeth removal, repairs or treatments to the jaw bone, soft tissue biopsies, and TMJ treatments. 

If you’re seeking a dental surgery practice to handle any of the aforementioned services, turn to the team at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. This board-certified practice is proud to provide a broad range of services designed to ensure optimum oral health at all times. Give them a call today at (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their services.