If you’ve ever wondered whether you should see your regular dentist or visit an oral surgeon like Dr. Frank—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from patients.
While both professionals care deeply about your oral health, their training, expertise, and the procedures they perform are very different. And when it comes to complex issues like wisdom teeth, dental implants, or jaw surgery, knowing the difference can literally save your smile.
Let’s break it down.
Your general dentist is your go-to for routine care. Think of them as your oral health primary care provider.
Dentists typically handle:
Cleanings & exams
Fillings & cavities
Crowns & bridges
Basic tooth extractions
Cosmetic treatments (whitening, veneers)
Preventive care and education
You should be seeing your dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings—they’re essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy long-term.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (like Dr. Frank here at North Shore Smile Surgery) is a dental specialist with years of extra training—typically 4–6 years beyond dental school, often in a hospital-based surgical residency.
We’re the go-to experts when things get surgical, complex, or high-risk.
Oral surgeons specialize in:
Wisdom teeth extractions (especially impacted teeth)
Dental implants
Bone grafting and sinus lifts
Jaw surgery (orthognathic procedures)
Facial trauma or injury repair
TMJ surgery
Oral pathology and biopsies
IV sedation and general anesthesia
At North Shore Smile Surgery, we combine that advanced surgical training with cutting-edge technology—including 3D imaging and robot-assisted systems—to deliver the safest, most precise results possible.
Here’s why understanding the difference isn’t just helpful—it’s critical when it comes to your oral health:
1. Complexity = Specialist Needed
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, if you’ve lost significant bone, or if you need full-arch implants, a general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for expert care. We’re trained to handle complications, deep sedation, and surgical emergencies that may arise.
2. Training & Precision
While general dentists can perform basic extractions or place implants, oral surgeons have performed thousands of procedures during surgical residencies and practice. That level of repetition and focus means faster procedures, better outcomes, and reduced risk for patients.
3. Sedation & Comfort
Oral surgeons are the only dental specialists trained and certified to administer IV sedation or general anesthesia in-office. That’s a huge deal for patients who are anxious, undergoing complex surgery, or want to sleep through their procedure.
4. Long-Term Success Rates
Surgical procedures like implants or bone grafting require precision—and improper technique can lead to failures or complications down the road. Choosing a specialist helps ensure a long-lasting, stable result with fewer surprises.
You’ve been told your wisdom teeth are impacted
You need dental implants (especially full arch or complex cases)
You’re missing bone and may need grafting
You have jaw pain, alignment issues, or TMJ symptoms
You need surgery under sedation or general anesthesia
You’ve experienced facial trauma or injury
You’ve been referred by your dentist for advanced care
If any of those apply to you, you’re in the right place.
At North Shore Smile Surgery, we’re proud to work closely with general dentists across the Chicagoland area—partnering to give every patient the specialized care they deserve. Whether it’s removing impacted wisdom teeth, placing precision-guided implants, or rebuilding bone for a confident smile, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Ready to Book a Consultation?
📍 Locations in Buffalo Grove, Oswego & Glen Ellyn
📞 Call us: 847-276-2500