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Medical Professional
Updated July 11, 2025
Oral surgeon
An oral surgeon performs complex tooth extractions and jaw surgeries. They fix dental issues that regular dentists can't handle.
Category
Medical Professional
Use Case
Specializes in surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, and jaws.
Key Features
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Tooth Extraction & Removal
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Corrective Jaw Surgery
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Dental Implant Placement
In Simple Terms
What it is
An oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgeries involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Think of them as the "problem solvers" for complex dental issues that regular dentists can’t handle with simple treatments. They’re like the surgeons of the dental world, fixing everything from broken teeth to misaligned jaws.
Why people use it
People visit oral surgeons when they have serious dental problems that need more than a routine checkup or filling. These specialists help relieve pain, improve function, and even enhance appearance. For example, if you’ve ever had a tooth so damaged it couldn’t be saved, an oral surgeon would be the one to remove it safely.
Basic examples
Oral surgeons handle a wide range of issues, and their work touches everyday life in many ways. Here are a few common examples:
Wisdom teeth removal: When wisdom teeth grow in crooked or cause pain, oral surgeons remove them to prevent infections or crowding.
Dental implants: If someone loses a tooth, an oral surgeon can place a metal post in the jawbone to support a fake tooth, restoring their smile.
Jaw surgery: For people with misaligned jaws that cause chewing or speaking problems, oral surgeons can reposition the jaw to work better.
Injury repair: If someone breaks their jaw or loses teeth in an accident, an oral surgeon can fix the damage and restore function.
These examples show how oral surgeons tackle problems that go beyond basic dental care, helping people eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
An oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgeries involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Think of them as the "problem solvers" for complex dental issues that regular dentists can’t handle with simple treatments. They’re like the surgeons of the dental world, fixing everything from broken teeth to misaligned jaws.
Why people use it
People visit oral surgeons when they have serious dental problems that need more than a routine checkup or filling. These specialists help relieve pain, improve function, and even enhance appearance. For example, if you’ve ever had a tooth so damaged it couldn’t be saved, an oral surgeon would be the one to remove it safely.
Basic examples
Oral surgeons handle a wide range of issues, and their work touches everyday life in many ways. Here are a few common examples:
These examples show how oral surgeons tackle problems that go beyond basic dental care, helping people eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Technical Details
What It Is
An oral surgeon, also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), is a specialized dental professional who diagnoses and performs surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. They fall under the category of medical and dental specialists, requiring advanced training beyond general dentistry.
How It Works
Oral surgeons employ a combination of surgical techniques, anesthesia, and diagnostic tools to treat conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. They use imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and 3D modeling to plan procedures. Surgical interventions range from minimally invasive extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries, often performed in clinical or hospital settings.