Oral surgeons and periodontists perform actual dental surgery and surgical implanting procedures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association who are surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years.

Oral Surgeons first learn dental surgery then train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology and spend time in otolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas.

Oral neglect, disease and injury are the most common causes for tooth loss. The resulting gap may leave the face looking aged and haggard and is unattractive.