Can general dentists perform oral surgery? It depends on the procedure’s complexity and location. Root canal therapy, Surgical gum grafts, and corrective jaw surgery are all examples of common dental surgeries that general Dentists in Eugene may perform. However, there are some cases when a general dentist can’t perform an oral surgery, like a wisdom tooth extraction. A general dentist can refer a patient to an oral surgeon if the surgery is too complex.
Dental surgery is an outpatient procedure
In general, dental surgery is an outpatient procedure. Outpatient surgeries are those that do not require hospitalization and are not life-threatening. Local anesthetics are sufficient for most dental procedures. But more complex procedures often require IV sedation or stronger anesthesia. Here’s a look at the cost and recovery time for dental surgery. The cost of dental surgery is not as high as it may seem. But it will depend on the type of surgery.

Before your dental surgery, wear old clothes and avoid wearing contact lenses or jewelry. Bring lip balm and wear a hat. Antibiotics and painkillers can help with your recovery. You can also take a prescription for a pain reliever before the surgery. The procedure may require you to refrain from certain types of food or beverages for a few days. Your oral surgeon can explain any restrictions or limitations in the postoperative care.
Root canal therapy
There are many symptoms that indicate you may need root canal therapy. Early tooth decay can be treated with a simple filling or a composite one, but more severe decay may need the help of a dentist. Symptoms of advanced tooth decay may include extreme tooth sensitivity or small bumps on your gums. Your tooth may even turn gray or look discolored. Regardless of the cause, your dentist can help you find a solution to your problem.
General dentists are not trained to perform root canal therapy. Root canal materials are extremely complicated and require a specialist. General dentists can handle a light cavity, but a deeper cavity requires a dentist with specialized training. A general dentist may not be able to perform root canal treatment for you. General dentists should only perform this procedure on patients with severe problems. If you think you need root canal therapy, schedule an appointment with a dentist who specializes in this procedure.
Surgical gum graft
During a gum grafting surgery, your dentist will take small pieces of tissue from your palate to cover the areas where the new tissue will go. These pieces will stabilize your new gum line and protect the area during the first few days after surgery. In about six weeks, your gums will be uniform in color and appearance. This procedure will vary in price, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the level of expertise of the dentist.
One cause of gum recession is untreated periodontal disease. When left untreated, this disease will lead to more extensive and costly dental issues, including tooth loss. However, there are many procedures that can stop gum recession and restore your teeth to a healthy state. Gum recession can be problematic for your smile, making your teeth appear shorter than they actually are. A gum graft can help you achieve a more appealing gumline, resulting in a healthier smile and increased confidence.
Corrective jaw surgery
Generally, a general dentist can perform orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery is performed on patients with bite problems caused by a congenital defect, facial trauma, or muscle issues in the jaw. It can improve both appearance and function. While the surgery is more involved than regular dental care, it can be performed by a general dentist. The procedure can be a great benefit to patients with a wide variety of problems.
After corrective jaw surgery, patients should expect a day or two in the hospital. Most people will be given instructions on oral hygiene and eating after the procedure. There may be some numbness in the top or bottom lip. Medications will be given to help manage these symptoms. Corrective jaw surgery can improve a patient’s appearance and functionality. For this reason, it is possible to choose a general dentist for your procedure.
Tooth extraction
While many general dentists are qualified to perform tooth extractions, some choose not to. These dentists may not have the facilities to complete the procedure or may refer patients to an oral surgeon instead. Either way, your general dentist can refer you to the right person for the job. There are many reasons for needing tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth, crowding, or damaged teeth. General dentists can perform the procedure with minimal pain.
Before performing dental surgery, general dentists have to pass a licensure exam and go through a four or six-year surgical residency to learn the ins and outs of the field. These residency programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. After completing their residency, oral surgeons take a board-certified examination. They will also perform any necessary post-surgical care. After receiving their licenses, general dentists can perform a wide variety of dental procedures.
Bone grafting
General dentists can perform bone grafting during a tooth extraction procedure. It can be an effective way to prevent the bone from resorbing after tooth extraction. During this procedure, the dentist fills the socket with freeze-dried human bone granules. The bone granules are shaped like sand. The entire procedure should take no longer than half an hour. The patient may need a follow-up checkup after the surgery to make sure the graft is doing its job.
The source of bone graft material varies and can be autograft, allograft, or xenograft. The autograft is taken from the patient’s own body, usually from the hip or back of the jaw. Allografts are taken from a donor, but can also be synthetic. They are processed to minimize the risk of infection or rejection.