The prospect of getting oral surgery is stressful for many patients — and then there is the added anxiety of choosing a professional you can trust! As an oral surgeon myself, I can provide insight into the qualifications you should be looking for and the technology your surgeon should have in their office. Keep in mind, though, that it’s also important to think about the type of treatment you need and do a bit of research into patient reviews. Here’s how I recommend that you go about choosing an oral surgeon near you:
1. Qualifications & Advanced Training
Similar to a dentist, an oral surgeon has completed an undergraduate degree and four years of dental school. What qualifies them as an oral surgeon is an additional 4 – 6 years of education in oral pathology. Often, this includes a residency that integrates general medical schooling.
Most oral surgeons have more formal education than general dentists and are considered specialists in their field. Many choose to pursue board-certification, which requires that they pass rigorous testing that is arranged by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. You can think of this qualification as an extra stamp of approval.
In addition to making sure an oral surgeon has the basic requirements needed to practice their craft, I also advise exploring their bio to learn about their continuing education credits. Some oral surgeons do more than others, but the most important thing is that they stay up to date with the latest methods in their field and comply with state requirements for maintaining their license.
2. Services
Because of all of their training, an oral surgeon is an excellent specialist to rely on for dental implant treatment, TMJ disorder, bone grafts, and various types of jaw surgery. But just like normal dentists, not all oral surgeons offer the same list of services. For example, some like to stay focused on restorative treatments, while others branch out into facial cosmetics, orthodontic care, and even treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Whatever type of care you need, it’s important to make sure your oral surgeon offers it!
3. Technology
At the very least, your oral surgeon should have a CBCT scanner (also called a “3D cone beam scanner”). These machines provide much more detailed images of the oral cavity than traditional X-rays. They are able to capture visuals of a patient’s jaw, teeth, nerves, and connective tissues — all in a 3D format. It makes treatment planning more precise, which leads to better care and improved overall outcomes.
4. Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can tell you a lot about how an oral surgeon runs their practice. Instead of checking one review site and calling it a day, I recommend that you browse multiple. Google, Yelp, Reddit, and other platforms have different review styles, so you’ll be able to get a fuller picture of what to expect from a particular surgeon. Plus, this will help you check whether they have consistently good reviews across different platforms.
If you’re still nervous about choosing the right oral surgeon, you can ask your general dentist or PCP for a referral. Dentists are especially likely to stay connected with local oral surgeons in case one of their patients needs specialized care.
Meet Dr. Steve Koo
I have been working as an oral surgeon for nearly 20 years. Throughout that time, I have achieved board certification and kept up with the latest developments in my field. Along with the excellent team at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, I offer a broad range of advanced treatments in a patient-centered environment. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Houston office at 713-783-5560.