If your dentist has referred you to an oral surgeon, you may be wondering why. What exactly does an oral surgeon do that your dentist does not?

You have an upcoming oral surgery scheduled, and you want the best professional specialist in Tampa, FL for the job. When it comes to conditions of the bone, skin and muscle of your face, mouth and jaw, oral surgeons are the specialists to see.

What does an oral surgeon do?

Oral surgeons perform specialized care for complex issues, such as:

Additional Training

Dentists are trained to perform basic oral and dental procedures, such as crowns and simple extractions. Oral surgeons attend dental school as a springboard, and when they finish, they go on to attain specialty training which goes well beyond the expertise of their dental credentials. This involves 4 years of hospital training, extended study, hands-on experience, and skill development of the mouth, face, and jaw.

Specialized Equipment

Oral surgeons furnish their offices with specialized equipment, materials, and instrumentation specific to oral and maxillofacial surgery. This allows for oral surgeons to perform procedures quickly, accurately, conveniently and safely. This includes a dental cone beam CT scanner for 3-d images for accuracy.

Extra Certifications

Further optimizing the comfort and safety of their patients, oral surgeons are trained and certified to administer anesthesia.

Some oral surgeons are board-certified, which means they’ve completed an additional series of rigorous requirements, including written and oral exams and a review by peers of their surgical expertise. Board certification is the highest level of competence, indicating the specialist with the most qualified training. This examination is given by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS.org) and candidates that pass the examination are conferred the title of diplomate.

Dr. Valiente has been practicing mouth surgery and jaw and facial reconstruction as a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons since 2000. When it comes to choosing a board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Valiente stands among the most reputable and trusted.

Dr. Valiente — Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Tampa FL

If you have more questions about the differences between dentists and oral surgeons, call our Tampa, Fl office today. 813-968-5400