|
| Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 96 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 96 | Yes, he has a lot more experience. My thing about doctors and dentists is how I ultimately feel when I am there. If I don't feel good about them I go try someone else. Might take you changing three times but to me I don't settle. This is someone you will see pretty regularly for cleanings and stuff but they should also be checking for oral cancer too.
31 at dx 9/06 SCC T4N0M0 with bone invasion upper maxillary Surgery 10/06 CT's clear for 2 years 2nd recurrence - Laser surgery 1/09 dx Tumor board - No surgery to invasive for QOL 35 IMRT 3/30/09 Completed 5/15/09 8 tx Erbitux 3/24/09 Completed 5/6/09 HBO for ORN March & April 2010 Fibula flap 5/10
| | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Some facts for clarification.
An Oral Surgeon and a Maxilofacial Surgeon are the same thing.
Both are dentists.
A Surgeon has continued his dental education past the 4 years that he/she did to become a general dentist. Obviously this time is spent learning in more detail, what they learned in dental school. However, it is all about things related to oral surgery.
A general dentist is allowed by law to provide any treatment that a specialist can provide, but would have less expertise and experience in that area. For example, a general dentist can do root canlas, orhtodontics, periodontal (gum) treatment and do any kind of surgery. They can do biopsies, too. However, as in any profession, specialists have more training and many people feel more comfortable going to a specialist.
Also, a surgeon will probably have been exposed to more patients with oral cancer than a general dentist because patients are referred to them for diagnosis and treatment. This doesn't mean that a general dentist can't find or diagnose oral cancer. Most however, will probably choose not to treat it, though.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 16 Member | OP Member Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 16 | Thanks for the info, regardless since the get go I wasnt to fond of my dentist and how he treated the issue I will be looking for a new one. He just wasnt very helpful with the questions I had for him just kind stood silent. | | |
Forums23 Topics18,210 Posts197,045 Members13,232 | Most Online614 Jul 29th, 2024 | | | |
|