The Difference between a Dental Implant Periodontist and an Oral Surgeon

The Difference between a Dental Implant Periodontist and an Oral Surgeon

A dental implant periodontist and an oral surgeon often provide the same service. They both perform oral procedures but they are linked to two different branches of dentistry. 

Dental Implant Periodontist

A dental implant periodontist is a professional who specializes in periodontology. This is the study of teeth structure, maintenance, repairing and the diseases that can deteriorate your overall oral health. Their role has changed over the course of time as they have specialized in dental implants.

Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is a specialist when it comes to treating mouth diseases and teeth extraction. They perform specialized dental surgeries which also involve dental implants.

There are some unique differences between a dental implant periodontist and an oral surgeon which are listed and explained below:-

·         There is a major difference in terms of training and qualification for each of the professionals. Oral surgeons are required to complete a normal training program along with a specialized training program. These training programs are after dental school. The whole process takes 8 years plus the extra time for internships. In case of periodontists, the process is a bit shorter. The field requires 7 years in total which includes a three year stay in periodontics residency. Before that a four year period is to be spent in dental school.

·         Periodontists focus more on dental implants and gum diseases while oral surgeons perform a variety of functions that also concern the face, jaw and the mouth. Oral surgeons are not confined to one particular area of treatment while the periodontists are more focused in areas involving periodontology. Some of the procedures carried out by both of these might be similar but the purpose for each of them is different.

·         They both have different methods. An oral surgeon will always make use of surgical methods while a periodontist will make use of both surgical and non-surgical methods. The best example for such situations is the treatment of gum disease.

·         They are specialized in different functions. A dental implant periodontist deals with cosmetic dentistry, periodontal diseases, bone grafting and for the treatment of gum decline in which the hum of the patient swells. An oral surgeon deals with the extraction of wisdom teeth, unequal growth of teeth and injuries concerned to the jaw and the mouth of the patient. There are also other functions for each of these. Both of these professions have similar functions as well such as dental implants and the treatment of gum diseases.

·         There is a difference in preference when it comes to dental implants. Mostly people prefer a dental surgeon rather than a dental implant periodontist. This is because oral surgeons have the ability to perform more functions than the dental implant periodontist and are quicker in the progress.

General principles of each profession are different too because they are two different branches having different ideas regarding each and every procedure. It’s completely up to you to choose the right professional for areas concerning your dental health care.

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Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.