For people from Northern Virginia and Maryland 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, Northern Virginia oral surgeons like Dr. Gocke 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.
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 Northern Virginia patients who have the following needs, proper care can be provided by Dr. Gocke as an oral surgeon:
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. Northern Virginia 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
Oral Surgeon, Dr. Gocke
Dr. Gocke has over 15 years of experience as an oral surgeon and aesthetic practitioner. His extensive training has provided him experience in the full range of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Dr. Gocke uses advanced technologies and diagnostics to provide predictable, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dr. Gocke is certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, making him uniquely qualified to provide his patients with skillful facial rejuvenation and reconstructive procedures. In addition, he is an oral surgeon 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 in Northern Virginia, 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 by calling (703) 388-2805.
