Oral Surgeons Southern Illinois, O Fallon, IL (2024)

FAQs

Is a dental surgeon the same as an oral surgeon? ›

Because you shouldn't be misled by thinking a dentist with the title “Doctor of Dental Surgery” is an oral surgeon. A dentist with a DDS title may be called an oral surgeon only if he or she has received additional formal training in an accredited oral surgery program.

There are 7,412 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the U.S., according to data from KFF. The health policy nonprofit recorded the number of active dentists in seven categories, including general dentistry, oral surgery and orthodontics.

Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. They use various techniques, including braces and clear aligners, to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment. Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed additional training in surgery of the mouth and jaws.

An oral surgeon, also called a maxillofacial surgeon, specializes in procedures dealing with the mouth, jaw, and even the whole face.

Well, that's not the case. A dentist will specifically deal with your oral health and treatment. This may include tooth extraction, cleaning, surgeries, grafting of bones, and cavity filling, etc. A dentist may refer a patient to an oral surgeon in case the diagnosis or treatment falls outside their practice.

Orthodontics: A High Revenue Sector

Orthodontic treatments, including braces and clear aligners, are highly sought after by both children and adults. With advancements in orthodontic techniques, such as invisible aligners, dental practices can cater to a larger patient base.

The highest-paying dental specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat several oral conditions. Some common conditions they handle include TMJ and jaw misalignment, extreme gum and teeth decay, cleft palates, cleft lips, and wisdom tooth extractions.

Neurosurgery is the highest-paying medical job in the US. That's hardly surprising, seeing that neurosurgeons are also the most trained medical staff. They study for at least 15 years to gain extensive expertise in the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain.

There are several types of oral surgery procedures performed each year. Some of the most common include tooth extraction, dental bone grafts, dental implants, periodontal surgery, corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea surgery and cleft lip and palate repair.

What is the average salary for an oral surgeon in the US? ›

How much does an Oral Surgeon make? As of May 11, 2024, the average annual pay for an Oral Surgeon in the United States is $339,174 a year.

Some may also complete fellowships in sub-specialty areas. Most maxillofacial & oral surgeons' average a total of 12 to 14 years of schooling at the college level and above before beginning their practice.

While oral surgeons specialize in the surgical side of dentistry, a periodontist has advanced surgical training in implant dentistry, and is trained to improve oral health less invasively and without the need for advanced surgical procedures.

You will notice some overlap in what dentists and oral surgeons treat. They are both capable of performing tooth extractions and other basic surgeries. However, Oral surgeons typically handle more complex surgeries and extractions—like wisdom teeth.

Periodontists are dental specialists who care for your gums and other tissues around your teeth.