Prosthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon: What Are the Differences?

Both prosthodontists and oral surgeons are dental professionals who have completed additional training beyond dental school. Both of these roles are important in the dental industry, but they have different focuses. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth, while an oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgical procedures of the mouth, teeth and jaws. In this article, we compare and contrast these two dental professions to help you decide which one is right for you.

What is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus on the restoration and replacement of teeth. They work with patients who have missing teeth or damaged teeth due to injury, disease or wear and tear. Prosthodontists use a variety of techniques and materials to create custom-made dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures and veneers. They work closely with other dental professionals, such as oral surgeons, to ensure that the dental prosthetics fit well and function properly. Prosthodontists also provide guidance on how to care for dental prosthetics and how to maintain good oral hygiene.

What is an Oral Surgeon?

Oral Surgeons are dental specialists who treat conditions and diseases of the mouth, jaws and face. They work with patients to diagnose and treat problems related to the mouth, teeth, gums and jaws. Oral Surgeons may also perform cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or dental implants. In some cases, they may also work with patients who have difficulty speaking or swallowing. Oral Surgeons typically work in private practices, but may also work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

Prosthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon

Here are the main differences between a prosthodontist and an oral surgeon.

Job Duties

Both oral surgeons and prosthodontists have similar job duties, such as diagnosing and treating problems with the jawbone, teeth and gums. They may also remove teeth to prevent infection or perform reconstructive surgery to repair damage caused by an injury or disease. However, there are some key differences in their daily responsibilities. Oral surgeons typically focus on surgeries related to the mouth, including removing tumors, repairing cleft lips and performing facial reconstructions. Prosthodontists specialize in restoring function and appearance of the jawbone, teeth and soft tissues around the mouth. This can include fitting patients with dentures, crowns, bridges, implants or prosthetic jaws.

Job Requirements

Prosthodontists and oral surgeons must both complete four years of dental school after earning a bachelor’s degree. During their time in dental school, they take classes on topics like tooth anatomy and physiology, as well as more specialized courses related to their chosen field. After graduating from dental school, prosthodontists must complete a three-year residency program in prosthodontics, while oral surgeons must complete a four-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Work Environment

Both prosthodontists and oral surgeons work in a variety of environments, depending on the needs of their patients. For example, they may travel to hospitals or dental offices to perform procedures for patients who need them. They also spend time in their own practices where they can meet with patients one-on-one to discuss treatment options.

Prosthodontists typically work more hours than oral surgeons because they often have private practices that require them to be available during regular business hours. Oral surgeons usually work fewer hours because they are employed by hospitals or other medical facilities.

Skills

Both prosthodontists and oral surgeons need to have excellent manual dexterity because they are working with small tools and delicate tissues. They also both need to have good visual acuity to be able to see what they are doing clearly.

Prosthodontists need to have strong communication skills so that they can explain treatment options to patients and answer any questions they may have. They also need to be able to work collaboratively with other dental professionals, such as dental laboratory technicians, to ensure that the prosthetics they create meet the patient’s needs.

Oral surgeons need to have strong surgical skills so that they can perform procedures safely and effectively. They also need to be able to handle unexpected situations that may arise during surgery, such as bleeding or tissue damage. In addition, oral surgeons need to have good interpersonal skills so that they can put patients at ease and build trust.

Salary

Prosthodontists earn an average salary of $172,893 per year, while oral surgeons earn an average salary of $263,454 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience and the type of employer.