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Diagnosis & Specialties

Stomatology and Oral Surgery: The Medical Experts of the Mouth and Face

Stomatology is a crucial medical specialty focused on the health of the oral cavity. Combining surgical and medical expertise, stomatologists are highly qualified professionals who manage complex conditions of the mouth, teeth, and face. Discover the vital role these experts play and when their intervention is necessary.

A Note on Terminology in the U.S.

In the United States, the specialty of stomatology has been largely absorbed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS). An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a dental specialist who has completed a demanding, hospital-based surgical residency. This article uses "stomatologist" as a general term for this advanced specialty.

What is Stomatology and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?

Stomatology, from the Greek "stomatos" (mouth) and "logos" (study), is a medical-surgical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. This field encompasses a broad range of procedures, from routine tooth extractions to complex facial reconstructive surgeries.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: A Dual-Qualified Expert

An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) is a healthcare professional with a unique combination of dental and medical expertise. Their extensive training allows them to manage a wide variety of conditions, and their scope of practice includes:

  • Precise diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning.
  • Complex surgical procedures, such as impacted wisdom tooth removal, corrective jaw surgery, and the placement of dental implants.
  • Management of facial trauma and post-operative care.

These surgeons work in close collaboration with other specialists, including dentists, orthodontists, ENT doctors, and plastic surgeons, to provide integrated patient care.

The Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Oral Surgeon

While both professions are dedicated to oral health, their training and scope of practice differ significantly:

  • A general dentist completes four years of dental school to earn a DDS or DMD degree, focusing on the overall health of the teeth and gums.
  • An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon first completes dental school and then undertakes a rigorous, hospital-based surgical residency lasting four to six years. This advanced training provides them with a deep understanding of anesthesia, medicine, and complex surgical procedures involving both hard and soft tissues of the face and jaw.

When Should You Be Referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

A referral to an OMS is typically made for situations that go beyond the scope of general dentistry. These include:

  • Complex Extractions: Removing impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that are fractured below the gum line.
  • Dental Implant Placement: Especially in cases requiring bone grafting to build up the jawbone.
  • Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): To correct bite problems and facial imbalances like an underbite or overbite.
  • Facial Trauma: Treating fractured facial bones, including the jaw, cheeks, and eye sockets.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Cancers, Cysts, and Tumors.
  • Management of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.

Conclusion: A Vital Specialty for Complex Care

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a vital specialty that bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine. These highly trained experts combine medical knowledge, surgical skill, and an aesthetic sense to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, and face. If you are facing a complex oral health issue, a referral to an OMS ensures you receive the highest level of specialized care.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Oral Surgeons

While it's not always required, a referral from your general dentist is highly recommended. Your dentist can first diagnose the problem and determine if specialized surgical care is necessary. Additionally, many dental insurance plans require a referral for coverage of specialist services.

Both are dental specialists, but their focus differs. A periodontist specializes in the health of the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, primarily treating gum disease. An oral surgeon has a broader surgical scope that includes extractions, jaw surgery, and facial trauma. Both specialists are qualified to place dental implants.

The procedures themselves are not painful because they are performed under effective anesthesia, which can range from local numbing to IV sedation or general anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is expected but is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and proper home care.