The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon

When it comes to complex dental procedures, an oral surgeon plays a critical role in delivering specialized care that goes beyond the capabilities of a general dentist. Whether it's wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or corrective jaw procedures, selecting the right specialist for the job is crucial for your oral health. One of the most important qualifications to consider when looking for an oral surgeon is board certification. But what does board-certified really mean, and why does it matter?

What Does “Board-Certified” Mean and Why Does it Matter?

A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon has gone beyond the minimum requirements for practicing in their field. After dental school, they will complete a rigorous surgical residency (often 4–6 years) focused on oral and facial procedures. Board certification means they’ve passed additional written and oral exams administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), meaning they have demonstrated excellence in the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment needed for oral surgery techniques. Being board-certified means that your dentist will:

• Have higher standards of dental care. Board-certified oral surgeons must adhere to ongoing educational and ethical standards. They’re trained to handle complex cases and unexpected complications with the highest level of expertise.
• Be trained in patient safety and surgical techniques. Oral surgery is still surgery. Anesthesia, infection control, and emergency preparedness are all critical components. A board-certified surgeon is thoroughly trained in hospital-level safety protocols to give you peace of mind during the procedure.
• Will be trustworthy and accountable. Certification adds a layer of accountability for dentists. Surgeons are reviewed regularly and must stay current with evolving techniques and medical advancements.
• Will have specialized experience in oral care. Certification signals that your surgeon is dedicated specifically to the oral and maxillofacial specialty, not a general dentist performing occasional surgeries.

What to Look for When Choosing an Oral Surgeon

• Board certification status. You can verify this through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS)  website.
• Experience with your procedure. Ask how often they perform your specific surgery and what outcomes you can expect.
• Patient reviews and referrals. In the age of Google, it's easy to look up real reviews from past patients to see what their experience has been.
• A dentist offering consultations. Consultations are a great way to understand dental procedures and a place where you can ask questions about what to expect.

Which Dental Treatments Require Oral Surgery?

Treatments that often require an oral surgeon include:

• Removal of impacted or severely damaged teeth, particularly wisdom teeth that haven't fully emerged.
• Dental implants, including those that need bone grafting or sinus lifts.
• Corrective jaw surgery to fix bite issues or structural abnormalities.
• Procedures involving facial trauma, such as repairing broken bones or soft tissue injuries.
• Cyst or tumor removal in the mouth and jaw.
• TMJ surgeries for chronic jaw pain.
• Sleep apnea surgical solutions.
• Reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment or injury.

Why Choose Pure Oral Surgery When Looking for a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon?

At Pure Oral Surgery, we pride ourselves on providing not only the best in general dentistry, but also the best in oral surgical care. Our team of highly qualified dentists includes board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Michael Ellis, Dr. Lance Read, and Dr. Ryan Carmichael — all of whom bring extensive experience and a commitment to excellence in patient care and oral surgery. Our board-certified surgeons are trained to handle a wide range of procedures, from simple extractions to complex dental implant placements through the use of the latest technology and techniques.

Don't settle when it comes to your oral health. Choose board-certified. Choose Pure Oral Surgery. Visit us online  or call 833-348-6468 to book your consult  today.