Should I see a dentist or oral surgeon?
Daniel Martin
Updated on March 22, 2026
The right person for your case depends on the treatment you need. When you need routine dental treatments that can be provided by a dentist, they will be the ones to treat you. When you have a complicated case or require specific surgery, then an oral surgeon will likely be the person you'll need.
Considering this, when should you see an oral surgeon?
An oral surgeon is needed when your dental emergency requires the tooth to be extracted, or a restructuring of your bone and gum tissue. Oral surgeons have an extensive training in a particular field, and as a patient, you are typically referred to an oral surgeon by your dentist.
Beside above, why does an oral surgeon have to pull my tooth? Things like large sinuses, or limited jaw mobility necessitate an extraction by an oral surgeon. Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are already cracked or fractured are likely to break more during the extraction, which requires a more intensive surgery similar to what's needed for an impacted tooth.
Also, can a dentist perform oral surgery?
Despite not being a surgeon, a dentist can offer basic oral surgery procedures in their office. This helps to treat patients who would otherwise need to make an appointment with a surgeon.
Are oral surgeons more expensive than dentists?
As a result, you can expect a specialist oral surgeon working in private practice to charge more than a general dentist. Likewise, an experienced general dentist who has undertaken many wisdom tooth extractions is likely to charge more than a dentist who as undertaken less than ten.
Related Question Answers
Can you see an oral surgeon without a referral?
While an OMS may not require a referral for a surgery consultation, many insurance policies do not allow a patient to simply book an appointment with a specialist. Medical and dental insurance policies may refuse to cover treatment costs if their procedures are not followed correctly.What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a maxillofacial surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon holds a medical degree and has extensive training in dental medicine. While an oral surgeon is unable to perform the most advanced oral surgical procedures, there are no limitations on the types of dental surgery that a maxillofacial surgeon can perform.Will an oral surgeon pull an infected tooth?
You must either do a root canal or remove the tooth to eliminate the infection. If you have a root canal, the infected tissue is removed, the area is cleaned and then sealed against more bacteria entering it. Removing your tooth removes the tooth from the presence of your oral bacteria.What counts as oral surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in or around your mouth and jaw, usually by a dental specialist who's trained to perform certain kinds of oral surgeries.Do oral surgeons put you to sleep?
General anesthesia is the only true sleep dentistry option. Under general anesthesia, patients remain completely unconscious throughout the treatment process. This ensures total comfort and relaxation, during even the most advanced oral surgery.How long does oral surgery take?
Since the area is hard to reach and at least one tooth is usually impacted, the process takes longer than a regular tooth extraction. Generally, this surgery takes between 45 and 90 minutes.Is it cheaper to get a tooth pulled or filled?
While you may think that pulling a tooth is cheaper than fixing it, the truth is that replacing the tooth costs more time and money.How much does an oral surgeon make a month?
Some of them, like General Surgeon jobs pay just $13,922 (4.5%) more than the average Oral Surgeon salary of $301,828.Top 5 Best Paying Related Oral Surgeon Jobs in the U.S.
| Job Title | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $307,999 |
| Monthly Pay | $25,667 |
| Weekly Pay | $5,923 |
Can a dentist pull a tooth that is broken off at the gum line?
If you can find the fragments of your broken tooth, your dentist may be able to bond it back together. But if the damage extends below your gum line, it will likely need to be extracted.Is there a difference between a dentist and a dental surgeon?
An oral surgeon is someone who can provide services beyond that of a dentist. This includes procedures such as the removal of impacted teeth, difficult surgeries, bone grafting, and more. A dentist will often refer a patient to an oral surgeon when the work required falls outside the scope of their practice.How much does it cost to have a tooth extracted by an oral surgeon?
Tooth ExtractionsAverage tooth removals cost: $75 to $300 for non-surgical, gum-erupted tooth extraction. $150 to $650 for a surgical extraction utilizing anesthesia. $185 to $600 for soft-tissue and complicated surgical extractions.
How bad does a tooth have to be extracted?
Extraction is often recommended if teeth are turned at odd angles, impacted or may affect the bite and chewing ability. Teeth may also need to be extracted in preparation for orthodontic work. In some cases, one or more teeth are removed for functional or cosmetic reasons.Is a root canal considered oral surgery?
Yes, and Here's Why. Root canal treatments are a godsend when you are experiencing tooth problems. They take care of your infected tooth and fix up the dental cavity so you can continue about your life with an aching tooth getting in your way.Where do oral surgeons make the most money?
The average salary for oral surgeonsOral surgeons who work in private practices, at dental and medical clinics, make the most money. These professionals make more than $200,000.
How do they extract a tooth broken at the gum line?
The extraction process can be simple. The dentist numbs the area, loosens the tooth, and pulls it out. You may need surgical removal if the tooth is impacted, broken at the gum line, or can't be removed in one piece.Is it better to get a root canal or tooth extraction?
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction. A root canal has a better success rate than a tooth extraction because there are little to no future complications associated with the procedure. Root canals are performed by dentists to clean and restore an infected tooth. There is no need to extract or remove the tooth.Is surgical tooth extraction painful?
Does the procedure hurt? No, despite what you may have imagined, you having nothing to worry about. Having a tooth extracted, whether surgically or not, should not hurt. Usually you'll feel a slight pinch as the area is numbed using anesthetic, then after this you will not be able to feel the procedure.How does an oral surgeon remove a broken tooth?
For a simple extraction, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then the dentist uses forceps to remove the tooth. A surgical extraction – this is a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not erupted in the mouth.What happens if a tooth root is left in the gum?
However, if the tooth is lost through accident or decay, the root or roots may be retained within the jawbone and gums, causing problems such as mouth infections and pain. If this is the case, the roots need to be surgically removed. Sometimes teeth, especially wisdom teeth, fail to erupt from the gums at all.How many teeth can a dentist pull at once?
However, is it really safe to remove two teeth at once? Is it safe? According to many dental specialists, there is no limit in tooth extraction in one visit.Can a dentist pull a infected tooth?
If the affected tooth can't be saved, your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection. Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics.Will a dentist pull a tooth same day?
Same Day Extractions. If you are experiencing extreme sensitivity or are suffering from advanced periodontal disease, you may be required to have a tooth extracted. With a simple, same day extraction, Dr. Karhan can safely remove the affected tooth without the need for major surgery.How a dentist removes a tooth?
The roots of your tooth sit in a socket (hole) in your gum. Your dentist will widen your tooth socket and gently loosen your tooth before they remove it. Sometimes your dentist may need to put a stitch in the empty socket to help it heal.What is a dentist surgeon called?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the oral health care provider who performs many types of surgical procedures in and about the entire face, mouth, and jaw area. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat accident victims who suffer facial injuries and offer reconstructive and dental implant surgery.How much does it cost to extract a tooth?
Simple extraction usually costs between $75 and $200 per tooth, and may be more depending on the type of anesthesia you need. The cost to remove impacted teeth is significantly higher and can land anywhere between $800 and $4,000.How much do the highest paid dentists make?
How Much Does a Dentist Make? Dentists made a median salary of $151,850 in 2018. The best-paid 25 percent made $208,000 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $107,440.Can general dentist do wisdom teeth extraction?
General dentists are able to perform wisdom tooth extractions with proper training, but only oral surgeons are trained and qualified experts on the procedure.What is the difference between an oral surgeon and an endodontist?
Unlike traditional dentists, both endodontists and oral surgeons have undergone specialized training in different areas of the dental field. A dentist will typically refer you to an endodontist or oral surgeon if you have a more complex oral health issue.How much does it cost to make your teeth white?
The average cost of in-office teeth whitening is $650, although it can climb to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of product used and how much your dentist charges.Do orthodontists do surgery?
Dental TreatmentsAn orthodontist specializes in the alignment of your teeth and jaws using non-surgical procedures. He or she will diagnose, prevent and treat “malocclusions”, or bad bites. So you may be referred to an orthodontist if you have an overbite, underbite, gaps or overcrowded teeth.
