What it is
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who has completed additional training beyond dental school, usually in a hospital-based surgical residency. Dentists (DDS or DMD) are licensed by their state dental board, and specialists work within the rules that board sets.
People most often hear about oral surgeons in connection with wisdom teeth. But the work can be broader. Depending on the practice, an oral surgeon may remove teeth that are damaged or impacted, place dental implants, address certain jaw problems, evaluate unusual spots or growths in the mouth, or help with injuries to the face and jaw.
Many oral surgeons also offer sedation options for those who feel nervous, as permitted by their state board. If the thought of a dental procedure makes you uneasy, you're in good company, and it's perfectly fine to say so. Not every practice offers the same services, so it helps to ask what a particular office does.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, a general dentist is the first stop. If a situation looks like it would benefit from a specialist's training, such as a tooth that is tucked under the gum or bone, the dentist may suggest a referral to an oral surgeon. Some people also find an oral surgeon directly.
Oral surgery has long been approached through an exam, imaging such as X-rays or 3D scans, and a conversation about the options. The surgeon reviews what they see, explains what may be appropriate, and talks through comfort choices such as local numbing, sedation or other approaches that the practice is permitted to offer.
Afterward, recovery instructions are typically given, along with follow-up as needed. Some concerns involve coordination with other professionals, such as a general dentist, orthodontist, periodontist or a physician, so that care fits together.
How the right dentist may help
The right oral surgeon may help by taking time to look closely at your situation, explaining what they find in plain English, and laying out the options available to you. A good visit usually starts with questions about your health history, medications and concerns, followed by an exam and imaging. Only a licensed dentist can evaluate you and say what is appropriate.
It can help to come with a few questions. You might ask: What do you see on my images? What are my options, including waiting? What does the procedure involve, and what kind of sedation or numbing would be used? Who provides it, and what are they licensed for? What should recovery look like, and when should I call you?
Cost is a fair thing to ask about, too. Costs vary by practice, location and case, so it's reasonable to request a written treatment plan and estimate before you decide. You're also welcome to ask about payment options or to get a second opinion. Asking questions is a sign of an engaged patient, not a difficult one.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect one another, and that's especially true around dental care. Worry about a procedure can tighten the jaw, quicken the breath and make a visit feel harder than it needs to be. Pain or discomfort in the mouth can also affect sleep, eating and mood. Looking at the whole person can make care feel more manageable.
Some people find that body-based support, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences, helps them feel more settled before or after dental visits. Others value talking through dental anxiety with a licensed counselor, and Therapists.plus is one place to find talk therapy providers. These are optional extras alongside, not instead of, care from a licensed dentist.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not dental or medical advice; only a licensed dentist can examine you and recommend what is appropriate.
- Facial or neck swelling with fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious face or jaw injury is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the ER.
- A knocked-out adult tooth needs a dentist right away, so call a dentist or emergency dental service as quickly as you can.
- Sedation is provided only by dentists permitted by their state dental board, so ask about training and permits. If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What does an oral surgeon do?
An oral surgeon, formally an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a dental specialist who treats conditions of the teeth, mouth, jaws and face that may need surgical care. This can include wisdom tooth removal, complex extractions and dental implant placement. Services vary by practice, so it's good to ask what a specific office offers.
Is an oral surgeon a dentist?
Yes, an oral surgeon is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training. Dentists hold a DDS or DMD and are licensed by their state dental board. Oral surgeons then train further, typically in a surgical residency, to focus on surgery of the mouth, jaws and face.
When might someone see an oral surgeon instead of a regular dentist?
People are often referred to an oral surgeon when a situation may benefit from added surgical training, such as impacted wisdom teeth, a difficult extraction or implant placement. Your general dentist can tell you after an exam whether a referral makes sense. Some people also schedule a consultation directly.
Do oral surgeons do wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common reasons people visit an oral surgeon. Whether a wisdom tooth needs attention is something only a licensed dentist can decide after an exam and imaging. General dentists may also remove some wisdom teeth, depending on the case.
Will I be put to sleep at an oral surgeon's office?
Not necessarily, because comfort options vary by practice and by case. They may include local numbing, sedation or other approaches, and sedation can only be given by dentists permitted by their state dental board. Talk with the surgeon ahead of time about your health, your anxiety and your preferences.
How much does an oral surgeon cost?
Costs vary by practice, location and case, so there isn't one answer that fits everyone. Ask the office for a written treatment plan and estimate before you decide. It's also fine to ask about payment options, how insurance may apply, or to get a second opinion.
Educational resource. Tuung shares general information and connects people with independent dentists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.