By definition, oral surgeons are specialized dentists who have been certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.  They have been required to attend an accredited dental school, and they be must have been licensed in the state in which they practice oral surgery.  Oral surgeons are also required to train for four years or more in a hospital that runs an accredited maxillofacial surgery residency program.

Sometimes people ask why they would need an oral surgeon if all they are seeking are cosmetic dental services.  The reason for this is simple.  The success of so many cosmetic tooth restorations depends on the structural integrity of bones and natural teeth.  It is therefore sometimes necessary to pursue a surgical restoration of this integrity prior to undertaking a cosmetic restoration.

Oral surgeons perform a number of very complex treatments.  They extract wisdom teeth, devise sophisticated strategies for dealing with TMJ, remove cysts and tumors, and implant dental implants.  These physicians also perform advanced full mouth reconstructions for patients who have suffered severe jaw bone loss and who have lost the majority of their teeth.  They are also highly skilled in diagnosing oral cancer and other diseases of the mouth, gums, jaw, neck, and teeth. 

If all of this sounds frightening to the average person, it does not have to be.  Sedation dentistry is available to those who have acute sensitivity to dental procedures.  Both oral and sedation dentistry are available at our practice. 

While working with anesthesia is part of the training that oral surgeons undergo, we prefer to bring in an anesthesiologist for IV sedation.  This allows him or her to focus his or her expertise exclusively on monitoring the patients condition while we focus our expertise on whatever general or cosmetic dentistry services we are performing.    

When looking for an oral surgeon, consider both training and clinical experience.  How much coursework does your dentist receive in a particular procedure that you may require?  Find out how many years has he or she actually performed this procedure.  Your dentist, if credible, will readily provide you with all the information you need.

It is also wise to find out what professional dental societies your oral surgeon belongs to.  Ask about what awards or honors he or she has received. 

Finally, continuing education is the priority of every serious medical professional.  None of us really ever stop learningnor do we want to.  In fact, The American Dental Association requires that oral surgeons routinely update their training with ongoing coursework on the latest technology and procedures in our field.

Because cosmetic dental procedures vary widely in cost because individuals are different, it is good to talk to your dentist about a few things.  Discuss your insurance plan and find out what out of pocket costs you will have to cover yourself.  If they are too expensive, work out some type of financial services plan with your dentist.

Also, find out what emergency dental procedures are available and when and how to go about contacting us in the event of an emergency.  

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.