While both dentists and oral & maxillofacial surgeons are trained to care for your teeth and mouth, there are significant differences in their education, training, and scope of practice. Dentists typically focus on routine dental care, such as restorative and cosmetic treatments (fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, etc.).
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, on the other hand, are specialized surgical experts who have completed additional years of training in a hospital-based residency program.
They are qualified to perform a wide range of complex surgical procedures such as include wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of facial trauma, TMJ (jaw joint) disorders, and removal of oral cysts or tumors. They are trained to administer anesthesia and provide emergency care for conditions such as facial injuries, infections, and abscesses.