When most people think of oral surgery, tooth extraction often comes to mind. However, the role of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon goes far beyond removing damaged teeth. These specialists combine advanced training, surgical expertise, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy to address a wide range of complex dental and facial concerns that go beyond pulling teeth.
At the Krupp Center, our surgical dentist in Towson is here to support every aspect of our patients’ oral health and overall wellness. Here, every patient receives thoughtful, individualized care designed not only to treat immediate concerns, but to support long-term oral health and overall quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what a surgical dentist is and some of the advanced procedures they can perform to support your overall oral health.
What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. This field sits at the intersection of medicine and dentistry, requiring extensive knowledge and training to ensure proper, comprehensive care.
It’s important to know that a general dentist and a surgical dentist in Towson are different. A general dentist will usually perform various procedures, including tooth whitening, restorative dentistry, and select oral surgeries. Surgery is not the primary focus of their practice.
By contrast, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon has years of advanced surgical training and focuses exclusively on surgical care. This high level of specialization allows them to manage complex procedures that go beyond the scope of general dentistry, leading to more comprehensive treatment options for patients.
Common Procedures Beyond Tooth Extraction
Though dental surgeons are more than capable of handling routine tooth extractions, the scope of their care goes far beyond that. Their years of hospital-based surgical training equip them to handle a wide range of procedures.
Some treatments an oral surgeon can provide in addition to standard extractions include:
- Dental Implants: When you lose a tooth (or teeth), dental implants offer a near-permanent replacement solution. Oral surgeons can place a titanium implant into the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for a custom-crafted artificial crown. If multiple missing teeth need to be replaced, All-on-4 dental implants may be used.
- Corrective jaw surgery: Also known as “orthognathic surgery,” this procedure works to correct jaw misalignment that may affect chewing, speech, and facial appearance.
- Wisdom teeth removal: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and lead to infections and alignment issues. Oral surgeons can remove these teeth to help prevent further complications down the road.
- Facial trauma surgery: Accidents can cause facial injuries, like fractures, lacerations, or tooth loss. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can repair these injuries, restoring both function and appearance.
These procedures highlight the versatility of an oral surgeon and their ability to address a variety of complex dental and facial concerns. If you’re curious about everything that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon has to offer, reach out to our team and schedule a consultation.
Discover the Difference Expert Oral Surgery Can Make
From complex dental implants to jaw reconstruction and facial trauma care, oral and maxillofacial surgeons do so much more than just extract teeth. Knowing the full range of their expertise can turn uncertainty into confidence and ensure you feel empowered in your care.
At the Krupp Center, we treat every patient with compassion, guidance, and personalized attention. For anyone looking for a skilled surgical dentist in Towson, our team is ready to answer questions, explain options, and create a treatment plan that supports long-term health and comfort.
