Dental Surgeon | Jackson MS

Dental surgeon reviewing a jaw X-ray with a patient before oral surgery

Many patients in Jackson, MS, search for a "Dental Surgeon" and end up wondering whether that is the same person as an oral surgeon. The short answer is yes. Both terms refer to a licensed dental professional with advanced surgical training who performs procedures well beyond a routine cleaning or filling. Understanding what that training involves can help you choose the right provider before your first appointment.

What Is a Dental Surgeon, and How Does the Title Relate to Oral Surgery?

A dental surgeon and an oral surgeon describe the same specialty in everyday use. The full formal credential is oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which covers the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. Patients and referring dentists often shorten this to "dental surgeon" or "oral surgeon" depending on context, and Google treats both search terms as the same intent.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes dental school, then a hospital-based surgical residency that typically runs four to six years. During that residency, the surgeon trains alongside medical residents in anesthesia, trauma, and reconstructive surgery. This is why a board-certified oral surgeon can legally administer IV sedation, treat facial injuries, and perform complex jaw procedures that a general dentist cannot.

Is an Oral Surgeon the Same as a General Dentist?

No. A general dentist handles preventive care, fillings, crowns, and basic extractions. A dental surgeon focuses exclusively on surgical procedures of the mouth, jaw, and face. If your general dentist refers you to a specialist for a complicated extraction, an implant, or jaw pain, that specialist is almost certainly an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What Board Certification Means for Jackson, MS, Patients

Board certification signals that a dental surgeon has passed rigorous written and oral exams beyond the surgical residency. The certifying body is the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Not every practicing oral surgeon pursues this credential, so it is worth asking before scheduling. Dr. Hunt is a diplomate of the ABOMS, a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a member of both the American Dental Association and the Mississippi Dental Association.

What Procedures Can a Dental Surgeon Perform?

A dental surgeon can treat a wide range of conditions that go far beyond simple tooth removal. Here are the most common procedure types patients in Jackson, MS, ask about.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Impacted or painful wisdom teeth are among the most frequent reasons patients are referred to an oral surgeon. Removal is generally easier in the late teen years and early twenties, and the procedure is commonly performed with IV sedation for patient comfort.

Dental Implants

Dental implants involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone and supports a custom crown. When the jawbone has weakened, bone augmentation may also be needed for a successful outcome.

TMJ Disorders

Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing can point to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Treatment often starts with conservative approaches such as mouth guards and diet changes. In more complex cases, a dental surgeon may recommend disc repositioning, corrective jaw surgery, or joint replacement.

Oral Pathology

A dental surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat cysts, tumors, and abnormal tissue in and around the mouth. Early detection of oral lesions is especially important for patients across Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Jaw alignment problems can affect biting, chewing, breathing, and speech. Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper or lower jaw and is performed exclusively by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Does a Dental Surgeon Also Provide Sedation?

Yes, and this is one of the clearest advantages of seeing a specialist. A board-certified dental surgeon can offer IV sedation as well as nitrous oxide. IV sedation allows most patients to have little or no recollection of the procedure, which can significantly reduce anxiety. Patients who receive IV sedation will need a driver for 24 hours after the appointment.

Why Jackson, MS, Patients Trust a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon

Jackson is home to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a robust network of referring dentists across the metro area. That network routinely sends patients to board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons for complex cases requiring hospital-level surgical skills in a clinic setting. Patients traveling from Madison, Rankin, and Hinds counties benefit from having a dedicated oral surgery practice on Lakeland Drive. The practice welcomes patients Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and may accommodate same-day appointments for pain or emergencies.

Dr. Hunt completed his dental degree at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry and his surgical residency at Augusta University Medical College of Georgia. Visit the Meet Dr. Hunt page to learn more about his background and training.

Schedule a Consultation with Central Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Whether you were referred by your dentist or searched on your own for a trusted dental surgeon in Jackson, MS, Central Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is ready to help. Dr. Kyle T. Hunt and his team serve patients throughout Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties from their office at 971 Lakeland Drive, Suite 952, Jackson, MS, 39216. Call (601) 981-3111 to schedule your consultation, or visit the patient information page to review insurance, payment options, and pre-surgical instructions before your first visit.

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Oral Surgeon vs. Dentist: What's the Difference and When Do You Need One in Jackson, MS?

By Central MS OMS • September 10, 2026

Understanding the difference between a general dentist and a specialist can help you make faster, more confident decisions about your dental care. Many patients in Jackson, MS, are unsure when their regular dentist is the right provider and when they need to see a specialist. This article explains the key training differences, the procedures only a specialist can perform, and the signs that a referral may be on the way. Training: How an Oral Surgeon Differs From a General Dentist General dentists and oral surgeons both start with a four-year dental school program. After that, their paths look very different. An oral surgeon completes an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training, covering anesthesia, complex extractions, jaw surgery, facial trauma, and more. That extra training is what makes them qualified to handle cases that go beyond routine dental care. A surgeon in this specialty is a specialist, much like how a cardiologist specializes within medicine. Procedures That Typically Require an Oral Surgeon Some treatments fall clearly within a surgical specialist's scope. General dentists may handle mild cases, but these procedures often call for a specialist: Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, especially those that are fully or partially buried in bone. Placement of dental implants directly into the jawbone. Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, to address bite problems rooted in skeletal structure. Diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology, including cysts and tumors. Bone grafting and augmentation to support implant placement. Facial trauma reconstruction after accidents or injuries. TMJ disorder treatment when nonsurgical approaches have not provided relief. Each of these procedures requires surgical skill, hospital-level training, and in many cases the ability to administer IV sedation or general anesthesia. When Does a Dentist Refer You to an Oral Surgeon? Your general dentist often spots the signs that a referral is needed before you do. A dentist may refer you to a surgical specialist when a tooth is impacted and cannot be safely removed chairside, when an X-ray reveals a cyst or abnormal tissue, when your bite problems stem from jawbone structure rather than tooth position, or when implant placement requires bone grafting first. Dentists and surgical specialists work closely together, and a referral does not mean something is wrong. It simply means your case needs a higher level of surgical care. A referral to a specialist is a routine part of comprehensive dental treatment. Is a Dental Surgeon the Same as an Oral Surgeon? These two terms often refer to the same type of provider. In the United States, "oral surgeon" is shorthand for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), a dentist who completed an accredited surgical residency. The term "dental surgeon" can sometimes describe any dentist with a DMD or DDS degree, so context matters. If you are looking for a specialist to perform jaw surgery, implants, or complex extractions, ask specifically for a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Can a General Dentist Pull All Teeth? A general dentist can perform many routine extractions. However, when a tooth is impacted or positioned at an unusual angle, or when removal requires surgical access to bone, a surgical specialist is typically the more appropriate provider. Patients with medical conditions that increase surgical risk are also often referred to a specialist who can administer IV sedation in a controlled setting. What Is IV Sedation and Who Can Provide It? IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream and allows patients to remain deeply relaxed and to have little or no memory of the procedure. Administering IV sedation safely requires specific hospital-based training and licensing. Most general dentists are not licensed to provide IV sedation, which is one reason complex procedures are performed in an oral surgery office. Does Insurance Cover Oral Surgery? Coverage varies by plan, but many dental and medical insurance plans cover a portion of oral surgery procedures, particularly when they are considered medically necessary. Wisdom tooth removal, jaw surgery, and treatment of pathology may qualify. It is best to contact your insurance provider directly and ask the oral surgery office to help verify your benefits before scheduling. How Do I Know If I Need an Oral Surgeon in Jackson, MS? Start with your general dentist. If your dentist identifies an impacted tooth, a jaw alignment issue, an unusual lesion, or the need for implants with bone grafting, they will typically recommend a specialist. Patients across Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties have access to board-certified oral surgery care right in the Jackson area. Oral Surgery in Jackson, MS Patients in Jackson, MS, have access to specialized oral surgery care without traveling to a larger metro area. The Jackson medical corridor near St. Dominic Medical Offices and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center means that patients can receive hospital-affiliated surgical care close to home. For residents in communities like Brandon, Flowood, Ridgeland, and Madison, a board-certified oral surgeon in Jackson is often the most convenient specialist option in central Mississippi. Oral surgery care in Jackson, MS, may include everything from wisdom teeth removal to corrective jaw surgery. Connect With a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon in Jackson, MS Central Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, led by Dr. Kyle T. Hunt, DMD, provides board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgery care at 971 Lakeland Drive, Suite 952, Jackson, MS. Dr. Hunt is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, with over a decade of service to the Jackson community. The practice serves patients Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and may be able to accommodate same-day visits for urgent cases. To learn more about available treatments, visit the oral surgery services page. When you are ready to schedule, contact the office or call (601) 981-3111 to request a consultation.

Two dentists in blue scrubs work on a patient in a dental clinic operating room.

Is a Dental Surgeon the Same as an Oral Surgeon? A Jackson, MS, Patient's Guide