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Frequently Asked Questions
A dentist, also known as a dental practitioner, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of conditions and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and oral cavity. Dentists are responsible for maintaining and improving oral health, providing various dental treatments and educating patients on oral hygiene practices.|
Dentists complete thorough training in medical school and obtain practising license before they can start their practice as an established dentist. They usually earn a Bachelor's degree in dentistry or a related field before attending dental school, where they receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After completing their formal education, dentists must also pass licensing examinations and meet the requirements set by their respective dental boards to practice dentistry legally.
Dentists offer a range of services related to oral healthcare. Some of the popular ones are as follows:|
Routine check-up|
Dental cleanings|
Cavity fillings|
Tooth extraction|
Root canal treatment|
Teeth whitening|
Dental crowns|
Dentures|
Braces|
Full mouth rehabilitation|
Cosmetic veneers|
Aesthetic dentistry|
Apart from this, dentists offer many other services depending on their specialization.|
Dentists may also provide guidance on preventive measures such as oral hygiene practices, diet recommendations and the proper use of dental products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
A dental surgeon, also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a specialized dentist who has undergone additional training and education to perform surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw and face. Dental surgeons are highly skilled in both dentistry and medicine, as their scope of practice extends beyond traditional dental treatments.|
To become a dental surgeon, a dentist must complete dental school and then pursue further education in an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. This program typically lasts four to six years and focuses on surgical techniques, anaesthesia administration and the diagnosis and treatment of complex oral and facial conditions.
Wisdom teeth extraction: Dental surgeons commonly extract impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.|
Dental implant placement: They can place dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support dental restorations like crowns or dentures.|
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): Dental surgeons can treat jaw irregularities, such as misalignment or malocclusion, through surgical procedures that reposition the jaws.|
Treatment of facial trauma: They can address facial injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents.|
Facial reconstruction: Dental surgeons may perform reconstructive procedures to restore facial structures affected by congenital anomalies, trauma, or disease.|
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder treatment: Dental surgeons can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, which involve the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.|
In addition to surgical procedures, dental surgeons often provide anaesthesia and sedation services to ensure patient comfort and safety during treatments.|
Dental surgeons work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists, prosthodontists and plastic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients requiring specialized dental and facial treatments.
Dentists and dental surgeons are both professionals in the field of dentistry, but there are some differences between them in terms of their training and scope of practice.|
Dentists are healthcare professionals who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry (BDS) followed by a DDS or DMD degree. Dental surgeons complete the basic dentistry degree and then go for advanced training lasting for 4 to 6 years.|
Dentists perform all routine oral checkups and standard dental procedures whereas the dental surgeons have the authority to perform the more complicated dental and maxillofacial surgeries like facial reconstruction and trauma care.|
Dental surgeons treat complicated situations like oral cancer and TMJ disorders, dentists usually don’t treat such conditions.|
Dentists do oral checkups, cleaning and regular treatments while dental surgeons are responsible for the more complicated operations requiring anaesthesia.|
In summary, while dentists provide general oral care and treat common dental issues, dental surgeons have advanced training in surgical procedures and are equipped to handle more complex cases. It's important to consult with the appropriate dental professional based on specific needs and treatment requirements.