When it comes to dental care, understanding who to see—and how much it might cost—is a key part of making informed health decisions. Many people wonder: Are oral surgeons more expensive than general dentists? The answer is often yes—but the reasons behind the cost difference are tied directly to education, training, and the complexity of procedures.
In this detailed guide from Asctorino, we’ll explore how oral surgeons and dentists differ in scope, the typical costs associated with their services, and when it’s worth paying more to see a specialist. We’ll also break down the most common procedures, insurance considerations, and how to plan your treatment budget accordingly.
General Dentists vs. Oral Surgeons: What’s the Difference?
To understand the cost difference, it’s important to first understand what distinguishes a general dentist from an oral surgeon.
General Dentist
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. They focus on preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and routine cleanings. General dentists also perform basic restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and simple extractions.
Oral Surgeon (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon)
Oral surgeons are dental specialists who complete four years of dental school plus an additional four to six years of surgical training.
They handle complex procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face, including:
Impacted wisdom teeth removal
Dental implant surgery
Jaw realignment (orthognathic surgery)
Cyst or tumor removal
Bone grafting
Facial trauma repair
At Asctorino, we emphasize that while general dentists handle many routine procedures effectively, oral surgeons are trained for more complex, surgical interventions—hence the cost difference.
Cost Comparison: Oral Surgeons vs. Dentists
The cost of treatment can vary widely based on the provider’s experience, geographic location, complexity of the procedure, and whether sedation or anesthesia is involved.
Below is a breakdown comparing the average costs of common procedures performed by dentists and oral surgeons:
| Procedure | General Dentist | Oral Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Tooth Extraction | $100 – $300 | $200 – $600 |
| Surgical Tooth Extraction | $250 – $400 | $400 – $800 |
| Wisdom Teeth Removal (impacted) | N/A or referral | $800 – $2,000 |
| Dental Implant Placement | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Bone Grafting | N/A | $500 – $3,000+ |
| IV Sedation or General Anesthesia | N/A or minimal use | $300 – $1,000+ |
As you can see, oral surgeon fees are typically higher, especially when procedures involve anesthesia, operating rooms, or surgical complexity.
At Asctorino, we always recommend comparing treatment quotes and discussing the details with your provider to understand the scope and justification of each fee.
Why Are Oral Surgeons More Expensive?
The higher fees charged by oral surgeons are justified by several key factors:
1. Specialized Training and Expertise
Oral surgeons undergo significantly more education and training. Their expertise is required for complex, high-risk, or surgical procedures. You’re not just paying for the procedure—you’re paying for the precision and experience needed to reduce complications and ensure safety.
2. Advanced Equipment and Facilities
Surgical offices often require specialized equipment for sedation, imaging, and surgical procedures. Oral surgeons also operate in fully equipped surgical environments that meet stricter regulations and safety standards.
3. Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Many oral surgeries require IV sedation or general anesthesia, which adds to the cost. These services require monitoring by trained professionals, sometimes even a licensed anesthesiologist.
4. Longer Procedure Time and Recovery Care
Oral surgeries often take longer to perform and involve more pre- and post-operative care. This increases both the clinical time required and the overall cost of services.
While the initial cost may seem higher, in many cases, seeing an oral surgeon can reduce risks, prevent complications, and lead to better long-term results—saving money in the long run.
When to See a Dentist vs. an Oral Surgeon
Understanding when you should see a dentist and when you need a surgeon can help you manage costs effectively.
See a General Dentist When:
You need a routine exam, cleaning, or filling
You have minor tooth decay
You need a basic root canal
You require a simple extraction
You’re dealing with early-stage gum disease
See an Oral Surgeon When:
You have impacted wisdom teeth
You require complex extractions or surgical removal of teeth
You need bone grafting or sinus lifts for implants
You’ve been diagnosed with cysts or tumors in the jaw
You are seeking corrective jaw surgery
You need advanced anesthesia or sedation options
You experience facial trauma or jaw injuries
At Asctorino, we often help patients determine which type of provider is most appropriate, helping them avoid unnecessary referrals and ensuring the right level of care from the start.
Insurance Coverage and Costs
Whether your procedure is performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon, insurance can greatly impact your out-of-pocket costs.
Dental Insurance
Dental plans often cover a portion of surgical procedures if they are deemed medically necessary. However, coverage for procedures like implants or sedation may be limited or excluded.
Medical Insurance
In some cases—especially with jaw surgery, facial trauma, or cyst removal—medical insurance may cover the procedure when it relates to overall health and function.
Referrals and Pre-Authorization
Some plans require a referral from a general dentist before covering specialist care. Others may require pre-authorization to ensure the treatment is covered.
Before any procedure, always:
Contact your insurance provider
Ask about dental vs. medical coverage
Confirm whether your chosen provider is in-network
Request a written cost estimate
At Asctorino, we recommend bringing your insurance details to your consultation so the dental or surgical team can help you navigate coverage and financing options.
Tips for Managing Oral Surgery Costs
If you’re concerned about the cost of oral surgery, consider the following strategies:
1. Use an HSA or FSA
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to pay for dental procedures with pre-tax dollars.
2. Ask About In-House Financing
Many dental offices offer financing plans or work with third-party providers like CareCredit to make payments more manageable.
3. Get a Second Opinion
If you’re facing an expensive treatment plan, getting a second opinion can help confirm the necessity and explore more affordable options.
4. Focus on Preventive Care
Seeing your dentist regularly and addressing small problems early can help avoid the need for expensive surgical interventions later.
5. Use a Dental Discount Plan
If you don’t have insurance, discount plans can reduce fees by 10–60% for both general and surgical procedures.
At Asctorino, we believe that quality dental care should be accessible and transparent. We’re committed to helping patients understand their options and make confident decisions about their health.
FAQs
1. Are oral surgeons always more expensive than dentists?
Generally, yes—especially for surgical procedures. However, the higher cost reflects the surgeon’s specialized training, advanced equipment, and complex care.
2. Will insurance cover oral surgery?
It depends. Many dental plans cover medically necessary surgery, while others limit coverage. Some procedures may also be covered by medical insurance. Always check with your provider.
3. Can my general dentist perform oral surgery?
Dentists can perform minor surgeries, such as simple extractions. For complex cases, they typically refer patients to an oral surgeon.
4. Why would I need an oral surgeon instead of a dentist?
Oral surgeons are trained to handle difficult cases such as impacted teeth, bone grafts, jaw correction, or implant surgery. If the procedure involves significant risk or complexity, a specialist is recommended.
5. Is it cheaper to get a tooth pulled by a dentist than a surgeon?
Yes, a simple extraction by a general dentist is usually less expensive. However, if the tooth is impacted or requires surgical removal, a surgeon may be necessary.
6. Can I choose between a dentist and an oral surgeon for the same procedure?
Sometimes. For borderline cases, you may be able to choose based on your comfort level, cost, or insurance coverage. However, some procedures are best handled by a specialist.
Final Thoughts
So, are oral surgeons more expensive than dentists? In most cases, yes—but for good reason. Oral surgeons bring advanced training, surgical precision, and access to specialized tools that general dentists do not typically offer. While their services may cost more, they are often necessary for complex or high-risk procedures.
Understanding the difference in roles, costs, and treatment options helps you make better decisions about your oral health. Whether you start with your family dentist or go straight to a specialist, choosing the right provider ensures safer outcomes and fewer complications.
At Asctorino, we’re here to guide you through every step of your dental care journey. If you’re unsure whether to see a general dentist or an oral surgeon, our team can help connect you with the right provider for your needs—and your budget.