Oral Surgery vs. General Dentistry:
Why It Matters in Rochester Hills
When you or your child needs dental care, it’s not always clear what kind of dentist to visit. Maybe your teen has pain in the back of their mouth. Or maybe you’ve had a toothache that won’t go away. That’s when knowing the difference between a general dentist and an oral surgeon becomes really helpful.
At Barclay Dental in Rochester Hills, we take care of both regular dental needs and more complex problems that may need surgery. That means you don’t have to figure out where to go—we’re ready to help.
What Does a General Dentist Do in Rochester Hills?
A general dentist is the person you see for regular checkups and cleanings. They help keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking great. They’re also the ones who can fix small problems before they get worse.
At Barclay Dental, our general dental services include:
- Teeth cleanings and exams
- Checking for cavities and filling them
- Taking X-rays to find hidden problems
- Fluoride treatments and sealants for kids
- Gum care and treatments
- Whitening and cosmetic bonding
- Custom mouthguards for sports or teeth grinding
General dentists are great at keeping your mouth in shape. But if the problem is bigger—like a tooth that needs to be removed or a missing tooth that needs replacing—we may recommend oral surgery right here in our Rochester Hills office.
What Is Oral Surgery, and How Is It Different?
Oral surgery is a special kind of dental care that involves more advanced procedures. These treatments often deal with the teeth, jaw, or bones in your face. Oral surgery helps fix serious problems that a regular dentist can’t treat with simple tools or fillings.
Some of the oral surgeries we offer include:
- Removing wisdom teeth that are stuck or infected
- Taking out teeth that are badly damaged
- Placing dental implants for missing teeth
- Strengthening weak jawbones with bone grafts
- Treating jaw pain or TMJ (joint problems)
- Removing cysts or other unusual growths
- Doing biopsies to check for medical issues
Oral surgery needs careful planning and special tools. At Barclay Dental, we use advanced equipment and gentle methods to keep you safe and comfortable. We also offer sedation to help you relax if you’re nervous.
The word “surgery” might sound scary, but these treatments are very common and often quick to heal.
When Should You Choose Oral Surgery Instead of Regular Dental Care?
So how do you know if you need oral surgery? Usually, your general dentist will tell you during a checkup. But you might also notice signs yourself.
Here are some reasons people come to us for oral surgery in Rochester Hills:
Painful or Stuck Wisdom Teeth
If your teen’s wisdom teeth are hurting or growing in the wrong way, they may need to be removed with oral surgery.
Missing Teeth and Implants
If someone has lost a tooth, we can place a dental implant. It works like a strong root and holds a new tooth in place.
Clicking or Jaw Pain
If your jaw clicks or hurts when you eat or talk, surgery might help fix the problem and ease the pain.
Weak Bones in the Jaw
If your jawbone is too weak for an implant, we can do a bone graft to make it strong again.
Infections or Abscesses
A deep infection in the gums or jaw needs quick treatment. Oral surgery can clean out the area and help you heal.
What Happens During Oral Surgery at Barclay Dental?
We know that surgery can make people nervous—especially parents thinking about their kids. That’s why we take steps to keep everything simple, clear, and safe.
Here’s what a typical oral surgery visit looks like:
- We talk with you about what’s wrong and why surgery might help
- We take X-rays or scans to get a good look inside
- We talk about sedation if you want help staying calm
- We do the procedure using clean tools and safe methods
- We give you clear instructions for healing at home
If you ever feel unsure or have questions, you can call us anytime. We’re here to help from start to finish.
How General Dentistry and Oral Surgery Work Together in Rochester Hills
At Barclay Dental, you don’t need to go to another office if you need oral surgery. We do both general dental care and oral surgery in one place. That makes things easier for your family.
Here’s how this helps:
- We can catch problems early during your checkups
- You don’t need to travel or switch offices for care
- All your records stay in one place
- Our team works together for the best results
- You stay with a team that knows your family
Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or you need an implant, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to Talk About Oral Surgery in Rochester Hills?
If you or your child might need oral surgery, schedule your appointment. We’ll listen to your concerns and help you feel prepared.
Barclay Dental offers advanced care with a friendly touch in Rochester Hills. Whether it’s a checkup or surgery, we’ll treat you like family.
Let’s keep your smile healthy and strong—together.