Dental Services is any medical procedure performed on the mouth that focuses on the teeth, jaw, and/or gums. Depending on the operation, it may be performed in your normal dentist's office (for example, a tooth extraction) or in a hospital or clinic environment by an oral surgeon (such as the removal of wisdom teeth or dental implants, depending on the type of implant and the technique being used).
Oral and maxillofacial surgery units can provide oral surgery. These units deal with problems concerning the jaw and face. Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in issues involving the mouth and maxillofacial issues involving the jaw and face. A dual qualification in dentistry and medicine is required for such a specialist, as an Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon must be able to treat diseases that need knowledge and experience in both fields. These illnesses include but are not limited to, diseases of the salivary glands, head and neck malignancies, and problems with the oral mucosa such as infections and ulcers. Some Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons choose to specialize in one of these areas to become sub-specialists in the larger profession. Depending on the nature of your referral and the institution you are visiting, you may be seen by an Oral Surgeon or an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon.