When your dentist tells you that you need to see an oral surgeon, it’s natural to have questions. What exactly is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon? How are they different from a general dentist or a periodontist? And what kinds of problems do they treat? For patients throughout Yuma, AZ — including those traveling from Somerton, San Luis, Fortuna Foothills, Wellton, and Gadsden — this guide explains everything you need to know before your first appointment at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery.

What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS or OMFS) is a dental specialist who has completed both dental school and a hospital-based surgical residency — typically four to six years of additional full-time surgical training beyond a standard dental degree. This residency mirrors a medical surgical residency and includes rotations through anesthesiology, internal medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine.

The name “maxillofacial” comes from the Latin words for jaw (maxilla) and face (facies). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck — a scope that goes well beyond what a general dentist is equipped to handle.

In Yuma, AZ, access to a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon means you don’t have to travel to Phoenix or Tucson for complex oral surgery. Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery brings specialist-level care to the Yuma region.

How an Oral Surgeon’s Training Differs From a General Dentist’s

Understanding the training difference helps patients make informed decisions about their care. Here’s a direct comparison:

General Dentist

• Four years of dental school (DDS or DMD degree)
• Licensed to perform routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, simple extractions, and basic restorative work
• May refer complex cases to specialists

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

• Four years of dental school, followed by four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency
• Trained to administer general anesthesia and IV sedation independently — without an anesthesiologist present
• Board-certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) after passing comprehensive written and oral examinations
• Skilled in complex surgical extractions, jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, bone grafting, implant placement, and treatment of oral pathology

This level of training is why Yuma, AZ patients with impacted teeth, failed implants, jawbone loss, or suspected oral lesions are best served by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon rather than a general dentist. For a deeper look at why the specialty distinction matters, see our guide: why Yuma, AZ patients choose an oral surgeon — not a general dentist — for complex procedures.

What Conditions Does an Oral Surgeon in Yuma, AZ Treat?

The scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery is broader than most patients expect. At Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery, our surgeons routinely treat:

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Impacted third molars are the most common reason patients are referred to an oral surgeon in Yuma, AZ. When wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the gumline, angled against neighboring teeth, or erupting into a confined space, surgical extraction is necessary. Our surgeons use 3D cone beam CT imaging to plan extractions precisely and minimize trauma to surrounding tissue. Learn more about our approach in our detailed post on wisdom teeth removal in Yuma, AZ.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Placing a dental implant requires surgical precision — the titanium post must be positioned at exactly the right angle, depth, and location to integrate with the jawbone and support a permanent crown. When bone volume has been lost due to tooth loss or gum disease, bone grafting is often required before implant placement. Both procedures require the surgical expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Impacted Canine Teeth

Impacted canines — the “eye teeth” — are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth. When a canine fails to erupt naturally, an oral surgeon works with your orthodontist to surgically expose it and guide it into proper alignment. This procedure, called expose-and-bond, is a specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. If you’re searching for an impacted canine specialist near you in the Yuma area, Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery is equipped to help.

Jaw and Facial Pain (TMJ Disorders)

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches. When conservative treatments don’t resolve the problem, an oral surgeon may recommend in-office procedures or minimally invasive surgery. Our team provides TMJ treatment in Yuma, AZ for patients whose symptoms have not responded to physical therapy or nightguard therapy alone.

Oral Pathology and Biopsy

Any unusual sore, discoloration, lump, or tissue change in the mouth, jaw, or neck warrants evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our surgeons perform biopsies and diagnose conditions ranging from benign cysts to early-stage oral cancer. Early detection is critical — read more about oral pathology in Yuma, AZ and what warning signs to watch for.

Full-Mouth Extractions

When multiple or all teeth require removal — often in preparation for full-arch dentures or implant-supported prosthetics — an oral surgeon is the appropriate provider. The surgical complexity and sedation requirements are well beyond a general dental office. Our team performs full-mouth extractions in Yuma, AZ with IV sedation for maximum patient comfort.

When Should You See an Oral Surgeon Instead of Your Regular Dentist?

Your general dentist is your first point of contact for most oral health concerns — and they will refer you to an oral surgeon when your situation calls for specialist care. Common reasons for a referral include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth or canine teeth
• Complex or surgical extractions
• Need for dental implants, especially with bone loss present
• Suspected cysts, tumors, or abnormal tissue in the mouth or jaw
• Jaw pain or locking that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment
• Facial trauma, fractures, or injuries
• Significant dental anxiety requiring IV sedation or general anesthesia

You can also self-refer — no dentist referral is required to schedule a consultation at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery. Patients from across Yuma, AZ and surrounding communities like Somerton, Wellton, and Fortuna Foothills come to us directly when they know they need surgical care.

What to Expect at Your First Oral Surgery Consultation in Yuma, AZ

Your consultation at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery includes a comprehensive examination, review of your medical and dental history, and 3D cone beam CT imaging when appropriate. Your surgeon will explain your diagnosis, walk you through all available treatment options, and give you a clear picture of what to expect — including timeline, sedation options, cost, and insurance coverage.

There’s no pressure and no rushing. Our goal is for you to leave your consultation fully informed and confident in your care plan. Patients from San Luis, Gadsden, and throughout the greater Yuma, AZ area appreciate that they can access this level of specialist care locally, without a long drive to a major metro area.

Frequently Asked Questions: Oral Surgeon in Yuma, AZ

Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon in Yuma, AZ?

No. While many patients are referred by their general dentist, you are welcome to contact Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery directly to schedule a consultation. We accept self-referrals for all of our services.

Does an oral surgeon accept dental insurance?

Yes. Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery is in-network with most major dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits prior to treatment so you understand your out-of-pocket costs before any procedure begins.

What sedation options are available for oral surgery in Yuma, AZ?

Our board-certified oral surgeons are specifically trained and licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia — a level of care not available at most general dental offices. Options include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and patient needs.

How long does oral surgery take?

Procedure length varies widely. A single tooth extraction may take 20 to 45 minutes. Wisdom teeth removal for all four teeth typically takes 45 to 90 minutes. Implant placement and bone grafting procedures vary by complexity. Your surgeon will give you a realistic time estimate at your consultation.

Is oral surgery safe?

When performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with proper pre-operative evaluation, oral surgery is very safe. The training that distinguishes oral surgeons includes extensive preparation for managing medical emergencies — which is one reason why sedation dentistry is safer in a surgical setting than in a general dental office.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your individual needs and treatment options.