Oral Surgeon 101: What Is an Oral Surgeon?
July 27, 2023

If you have a dental emergency, you may require help from an oral surgeon. What is an oral surgeon? Check out this article to find out!

Were you recently in an accident that damaged a tooth? It happens more often than you realize. About one billion people are affected by oro-dental traumas worldwide.


After an accident, you might need an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL. Otherwise, you could experience painful complications if you neglect your oral health. 


What is an oral surgeon, exactly, and how can they help? Read on to find out!


What Is an Oral Surgeon?

Oral surgeons are professionals who complete surgical procedures on gums, jaws, teeth, or other oral structures.


These surgeries can include:

  • Jaw surgeries
  • Gum grafts
  • Dental implants
  • Tooth extractions


These professionals are also called oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Periodontists can perform these procedures as well. These specialists have advanced training in performing oral surgery procedures.


Oral surgery is usually performed on patients who have:

  • Gum disease
  • Impacted teeth
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Benign oral pathology
  • Missing teeth
  • Extensive tooth decay
  • Broken teeth
  • Sleep apnea
  • Oral cancer


Oral surgeons can treat facial and tooth injuries. They're also able to provide common dentistry services. 

They're trained to detect, diagnose, and prevent diseases that can affect your gums, jaw, mouth, and teeth.


Credentials

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty. It's recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the American Dental Association.


Oral surgeons must complete a two to four-year undergraduate study. Afterward, they must complete a four-year dental study for their DMD or DDS. After graduating, surgeons must complete a four to six-year residency training program. 


For certification, surgeons must undertake final specialty examinations. Upon passing, they're certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 


Graduates can also complete fellowships in an area such as:

  • Cranio-maxillofacial trauma
  • Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery
  • Cosmetic facial surgery
  • Head and neck cancer


Cranio-maxillofacial traumas include skeletal and soft tissue injuries to the head, face, or neck. Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery include cleft lip and palate repair. It can also include surgery for craniosynostosis. 

Surgeons who specialize in cosmetic facial surgery complete rhinoplasties and facelifts. 


Types of Oral Surgery

Since oral surgery involves the teeth, gums, and jaws, it encompasses multiple surgeries.

Here are a few of the surgeries an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL can perform. 


Tooth Extraction

One of the most common types of oral surgery is a tooth extraction. Most general dentistry practices can handle this procedure as well.


A dentist might recommend a tooth extraction if you have:

  • Dental trauma
  • Wisdom teeth complications
  • Gum disease
  • Severe tooth decay


A dental specialist can also perform an extraction if you're about to receive prosthetic devices like dentures. 

In most cases, your dentist will try to save your natural teeth. However, leaving a severely damaged tooth in place could compromise your oral health. Oral surgery can help reduce your risk of bone loss, cavities, and other complications. 


Bone Grafts

If bone loss has occurred within the jaw, a dentist might recommend a dental bone graft.


The roots of your natural teeth stimulate your jaw. This stimulation ensures your body sends nutrients to your jaw to keep it healthy. If you lose a tooth, however, your jaw won't receive the stimulation it needs.


Bone deterioration can occur as a result.


A bone graft can help restore density and volume to the area. After bone graft surgery, you can schedule dental implant surgery. Implant surgery will ensure your jaw receives the stimulation it needs.


You might also need a bone graft during periodontal (gum) surgery.


Dental Implant Surgery

The number of scheduled dental implant procedures increased by over 6% within a single year. Between 2020 and 2026, the number of implants could increase by 23%. Dental implants are starting to eclipse other dental restoration procedures. 


During a dental implant procedure, a surgeon will place a post into your jaw to replace a missing tooth. Once the area has healed, they can place a dental crown or bridge atop the post. 


Dental implant surgery can restore your smile's appearance and functionality.


Corrective Jaw Surgery

Also called orthognathic surgery, this procedure can address skeletal abnormalities in the jaw bones. Surgery can help address facial imbalances and correct alignment issues. 


It's also able to ease pain due to TMJ dysfunction. 


Periodontal Surgery

Your dentist might recommend periodontal surgery if you have severe periodontitis (gum disease). 


During the procedure, a surgeon will make an incision along your gum line. They'll temporarily move the tissue away from your teeth.


The surgeon will clean your teeth roots to remove plaque and bacteria under your gums. Then, they'll suture your gum tissue back into place.


Your surgeon might recommend a gum graft if you've experienced gum recession as a result of periodontitis.


Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

Some babies are born with an opening in their upper lift (cleft lip). Others are born with an opening in the roof of their mouth (cleft palate). These problems can occur when facial structures don't fully develop.


A surgeon can perform this procedure to restore a child's eating function. It can also help them avoid speech issues later in life. 


Visit an Oral Surgeon in Lutz, FL Today

To recap, what is an oral surgeon? They're dental specialists who perform procedures on the gums, teeth, jaws, or other oral structures. If you require oral surgery, visit an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL right away. 


Visiting a specialist will ensure you receive the highest standard of care based on your needs. 


Need to schedule a consultation oral surgery appointment? We can't wait to see you.


Contact us today before visiting our offices. 


Dentist in blue scrubs and gloves examines an X-ray of teeth on a light panel.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery August 19, 2025
How can you make your dental implants last? Follow our dental implant maintenance guide to keep your smile strong and healthy.
A close up of a person 's teeth with a mouth guard.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery July 24, 2025
Worried about what to do after your wisdom teeth removal in Tampa? Get crucial advice on your diet, post-surgery results, and restrictions for faster healing.
By Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery June 13, 2025
A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.