For people who are in need of dental work – whether for a deep, thorough cleaning or to have a tooth extracted – choosing the right dental specialist for the job is important. If you aren’t sure whether you should see an oral surgeon or a periodontist, keep reading as we explain the difference between these two specialists.
Oral Surgeon
First and foremost, oral surgeons like Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams receive 4-6 additional years of training in an accredited residency program, post-doctoral. They also have extensive training in oral and facial surgery, as well as anesthesia. Oral surgeons are also trained medically, meaning they can provide safe and proper care for patients who are medically compromised.
Our oral surgeons are also board-certified. This gives them the ability to work in the hospital setting when needed and perform emergency surgeries for facial trauma victims. For patients who have the following needs, proper care can be provided by Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams as an oral surgeon:
Tooth Extractions
Dental Implants
Dental Sedation Through IV and General Anesthesia
Oral Biopsies
Bone Grafting
Oral and Facial Trauma and Infections
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Pediatric Oral Surgery
Periodontist
Periodontists receive two years of training after they have completed dental school. They specialize in placing dental implants, as well as providing men and women with proper care of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth.
Most periodontists provide dental care surgically and non-surgically and can help men and women avoid periodontal disease by initiating preventative treatment for patients who are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Patients who have the following needs will benefit from seeing a periodontist:
Preventative Periodontal Procedures
Treatment of Gum Disease
Swelling in and around the jaw.
Bone Grafting Needed for Dental Implant Placement
Root Surface Debridement
Root Planing and Scaling
Meet Our Oral Surgeons
Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery has helped patients as an oral surgery practice and a destination for aesthetic care. The extensive training of our surgical team has provided them with experience in the full range of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Our surgeons use advanced technologies and diagnostics to provide predictable, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams are certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Dr. Gocke is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. These qualifications make our surgical team uniquely qualified to provide our patients with skillful reconstructive procedures. In addition, they are oral surgeons on staff with several area hospitals, including Virginia Hospital Center and INOVA Loudoun and Fair Oaks.
Call Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery For Your Oral Surgery Needs
Now that you know the difference between an oral surgeon and a periodontist, we hope you feel confident in making the decision to contact the right specialist. If you’re in need of an oral surgeon, Dr. Gocke is just a phone call away. He can help with all of your oral surgery needs.
Make an appointment to visit with him one-on-one for a consultation so he can develop a customized treatment plan just for you. You can reach a member of his team today.
