When Is It Necessary To Find An Oral Surgeon In Houston TX?

A lot of people often wonder why there’s a need for an oral surgeon when you have dentists around. It’s simple actually. There are things that a regular dentist can’t do. The truth is that there are several dental procedures that may be too difficult for your dentist to handle and should be left to an oral surgeon. You see, the latter, given his skills, training and experience, has a higher level of expertise making him the right person to handle more complex dental problems or procedures such as fixing a broken jaw and other corrective surgery. Perhaps in layman’s terms, it is safe to say that a dentist works with the teeth while an oral surgeon works with the gum, jaw and the mouth as a whole. For complicated dental problems, consider seeking the expertise of an oral surgeon in Houston TX today.

Oral surgeons normally command higher salaries averaging $217, 380 per year as of May 2011 according to data obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is largely because of the specialized nature of their work. They are focused on performing surgeries and other procedures mainly on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial areas basically to treat diseases, defects or injuries. It goes without saying that for you to become an oral surgeon, you need to take up more than just general dentistry.

How To Become An Oral Surgeon

After graduating from a dental school, which normally takes 4 years to complete, general and specialty dentists need to obtain state licenses to be able to practice their profession. Depending on the state where they apply, the requirements can vary although most would require an accredited dental degree and a passing score on the National Board Dental Examinations. In addition, some states may also require a hands-on practical exam.

To become an oral surgeon, you still have to complete a specialty residency program that’s honored by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This can take about 4 years including months working in areas such as oral pathology and anesthesia. Once the specialty training is completed, you have to pass computer-based and oral examinations before you can be a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is also important to take note that it is generally necessary to have continuing studies in order for oral surgeons to keep their certification.

Got dental issues that are more than your dentist can handle? Check out Northeast Houston Dental Implants & Periodontology today and see what options are available for you.