Home > Why An Oral Surgeon?

Choosing the right professional means experiencing a quality oral healthcare package that not only treats the issues correctly but also makes the process as comfortable as possible. There is a very big difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist. See why choosing a professional oral and maxillofacial surgeon is sometimes necessary and what patients can expect as opposed to seeing a regular dentist.

What Is an OMS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)?

Oral surgeons are specialists in face, mouth, and jaw surgery. Not only do they receive more dedicated training, but their specialties range much further than regular dentists. Cosmetic oral surgery is a very complicated and fast-moving field, and oral surgeons are required to keep at the forefront of their practice. That means constantly learning how to use new techniques and technologies at a very rapid pace.

In the McLean, VA area,  Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams are thoroughly qualified and trained to perform complex restorative surgical procedures to save lives in the event of a serious accident. Their experience and training mean that their skills are a perfect mix of art and science.

Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

McLean dentists often refer to an oral surgeon when their dental patients need minor or major surgical intervention around mouth, face and neck areas. Patients won’t often see an oral surgeon right away if they have minor dental needs, and most routine maintenance can be performed by a dentist. However, if a patient needs more work, they will often need to contact an oral surgeon themselves or receive a referral from their dentist.

Oral Surgeons are held to a much higher standard of training and experience. Their qualifications are greater in nearly every way:

  • Four more years of schooling and training in surgical techniques after dental school. Oral surgeons often spend this much time in a real surgical environment as part of a hospital, and they specifically practice oral surgeries during this time to hone their craft and learn all of the additional techniques necessary.
  • Advanced training in local and IV sedation. Sedation is an entire skill on its own. Patients may have heard of doctors known as anesthesiologists, and although oral surgeons seldom utilize anesthesia, the practice of administering and monitoring sedatives during surgery is a finely tuned skill that requires training.
  • Hospital-grade advanced operating room technology. Oral surgeons spend a lot of time in hospitals, and as such learn to use the technologies available at the forefront of their practice.
  • Hundreds of hours of continuing education and up-to-date techniques.

Conditions Treated By an Oral Surgeon

Non-Restorable Teeth Extractions

Bone Loss

Jaw Surgery

Baby Teeth Extractions

Impacted Teeth

Decayed Teeth

Dr. M. Timothy Gocke and Dr. Michael McAdams all specialize in oral surgery for McLean patients. All three of our oral surgeons at Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery are board-certified and serve the Northern Virginia and D.C. communities. They provide fine care to help you smile.

To schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons, contact our office in McLean, VA at (703) 388-2805.