Oral Surgeons > General Dentist for Oral Surgery- Here’s Why

You want the best for your teeth, your mouth, and your health. When you need oral surgery, choose an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon is typically your best choice for oral surgery for many reasons, including anesthesia safety. We’ll discuss a few of the many benefits of choosing an oral surgeon over a general dentist when you need oral surgery.

More Procedures Available

A general dentist may offer a few oral surgery procedures, but often your options are limited. An oral surgeon offers a greater variety of oral surgery options. At Hill Country Oral Surgery, we can take care of all your oral surgery needs from wisdom tooth removal to dental implants. An oral surgeon specializes in oral surgery. They have more training and more experience. Just like you choose a heart surgeon for heart surgery, choose an oral surgeon for oral surgery.

More Training and Experience

For a dental cleaning or simple filling, go see your regular dentist, but if you require advanced oral surgery, choose an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have more training and experience performing delicate and complex surgical procedures. See your oral surgeon any time you need one or more of the following procedures:

  • Wisdom tooth removal
  • Tooth extractions
  • Exposure of an impacted canine
  • Apicoectomies
  • Pre-prosthetic surgery
  • Facial trauma
  • Jaw surgery
  • Dental implant surgery
  • Bone grafting
  • Sinus lift

While a general dentist may only perform these advanced procedures occasionally, if at all, an oral surgeon regularly practices and hones their skill on these types of procedures. An oral surgeon has more training and experience than a regular dentist on surgical procedures like the ones listed above.

The reverse is also true. An oral surgeon should not be your only dentist. You need a general dentist to help you maintain and improve your oral health. Regular cleanings, fillings, and oral health screenings are best performed by a general dentist.

Anesthesia Safety

One of the most important reasons to choose an oral surgeon for oral surgery is anesthesia safety. Anesthesia risks are low, but when complications occur, they can be very serious. Oral surgeons have more training and more experience with dental anesthesia and are a safer choice for oral surgery. Oral surgeons are better prepared for emergency situations than most general dentists. When an emergency happens, training and experience matter.

Getting an anesthesia permit for in-office anesthesia is surprisingly easy. Dentists must meet bare-minimum requirements for training and education. Oral surgeons are held to a much higher standard. During their training they undergo a rigorous and extensive training program, often in a hospital setting, under the direct supervision of anesthesiologists. This training is much more advanced and comprehensive than the training required for an anesthesia permit.

Anesthesia Safety at Hill Country Oral Surgery

We take anesthesia safety seriously at Hill Country Oral Surgery. Here’s what we do to keep you safe when using anesthesia:

  • Variety of Anesthesia Options– We offer a wide range of anesthesia options include local anesthetics, IV sedation, oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia. With many options available, we can customize your treatment to your needs, choosing the safest, most effective options for your treatment.
  • Up-to-Date Monitoring Equipment– We use the latest, up-to-date monitoring equipment to ensure your safety during treatment. Our state-of-the-art facility is carefully equipped for safe and effective anesthesia delivery.
  • Medical History Review– Before administering any anesthesia we carefully review your medical history with you and perform a complete physical examination.
  • Anesthesia Permit– We hold a valid anesthesia permit from the Texas Board of Dental Examiners.
  • Life Support Training– Our doctors are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Many other members of our staff have received advanced anesthesia training. We also train in the rescuing of patients and managing of airways in the ICU and emergency room.

Questions to Ask Your Oral Surgeon About Anesthesia Safety

If you’re preparing for oral surgery with anesthesia, make sure you choose an oral surgeon for your procedure. Ask your surgeon the following questions to ensure that they take anesthesia safety seriously.

  • How will you keep me safe during dental anesthesia?
  • What are the risks and benefits of the type of anesthesia you’re recommending for my procedure?
  • What type of emergency resuscitation training do members of your staff receive? Do any members of your staff have anesthesia training?
  • How will I be monitored during surgery to ensure anesthesia safety?
  • What plans are in place in the event of an anesthesia emergency?

Anesthesia safety is an important reason to always choose an oral surgeon for your oral surgery needs. Call us today to schedule your consultation at Hill Country Oral Surgery.