Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are the only dental professionals trained to perform real surgery on facial bones and mouth, with 4-6 years of additional surgical training beyond dental school. The general public should be aware of this to avoid falling victim to misleading advertising regarding the All-on-4 surgical procedure, which carries serious risks and potential complications.
Technology, such as a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) machine, does not compensate for a lack of surgical training or experience. Patients seeking a qualified surgeon for All-on-4 or dental implant procedures should thoroughly research their options, read patient reviews, and ask questions about the surgeon's post-graduate and residency training.
Being well-informed and choosing the right professional will ensure a positive experience and better dental health. Oral surgeons offer several advantages over traditional dentists for dental implant procedures.