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Patient with dental emergency treatment

Emergency Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon: What’s the Difference?

A dental emergency issue with your teeth and gums is not something to be ignored. Suppose you have a dental emergency that needs attention immediately. In this case, you can search for “Dentist near me” to find several emergency dentists in your area. However, an oral surgeon is sometimes the right person instead of an emergency dentist. For example, if you need a complex tooth extraction, you will probably need an oral surgeon. Continue reading to find out when you should visit your emergency dentist and when the help of an oral surgeon is required.

What is a Dental Emergency?

To figure out if you need to see an emergency dentist, first, let’s understand what a dental emergency is. Generally, any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, ease severe pain, or save a tooth is considered a dental emergency. This also includes severe infections in your mouth, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Typically, your dentist should be the first person you call if you need a dental emergency. Your dentist will then do an oral exam and determine what might be causing your symptoms. From there, your dentist can treat your dental problem or refer you to an oral surgeon. 

Difference between a general dentist and an oral surgeon

Some patients confuse the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon. The answer lies in what kind of training they’ve had, which can result in different dental services they can provide you.

General dentist

Your dentists have studied dentistry and also have hands-on training. Some of them can do minor oral surgery. However, most of their work generally includes dental care such as oral exams, dental checkups, professional teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, sealants, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, and overall gum care. When you have a dental emergency, your dentist will work to help treat the problem. If the problem needs more advanced care, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.

Oral Surgeon

If you have a dental emergency requiring a complex tooth extracted or need your bone and gum tissue restructured, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have special training in a particular dentistry field. They can help with various issues, including complex tooth extractions, wisdom tooth extraction, jaw issues, or dental implants. They can also treat chronic diseases or conditions that start in the mouth and remove tumors or other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions.

Emergency dentist and oral surgeon in South Gate

Sometimes, you might search for a dentist near me and find a dental office that does both. This can be perfect in dental emergencies as patients should seek immediate attention. It helps when your dentist can treat your dental problem or refer you to an oral surgeon in the same office. If you need an emergency dentist in South gate, at Reza Dental Care, we provide a vast range of professional dental services. If you’re unsure where to start, you can always call for a quick appointment.

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