First Visit
A general dentist provides everyday dental care, including routine fillings and many simple extractions. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who completes at least four additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after dental school. Dentists refer patients to an oral surgeon for impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants and bone grafting, complex extractions, biopsies of mouth lesions, and treatment under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Key takeaways
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a recognized dental specialty in Canada; specialists typically hold the FRCD(C) designation.
- Referral is common for impacted teeth, implants, grafting, pathology, and patients who need sedation.
- Your dentist sends a referral with X-rays; the surgical office then contacts you to book a consultation.
- After treatment, you return to your dentist for ongoing care.
What Is The Difference In Training?
| General dentist | Oral and maxillofacial surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | University degree plus dental school (DDS or DMD) | Dental school plus a hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency of at least four years |
| Anesthesia training | Local anesthetic; some dentists have additional sedation training | Extensive training in IV sedation, general anesthesia, medicine, and acute care |
| Scope | Preventive, restorative, and general care | Surgery of the teeth, jaws, mouth, and face |
| Hospital work | Uncommon | Many surgeons hold hospital privileges and take trauma calls |
| Specialist designation | Not applicable | Fellowship in the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, FRCD(C), after specialty examinations |
Both of our surgeons are fellows of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr. Kevin J. McCann completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Anesthesia training at the University of Toronto, has practised in Kitchener-Waterloo since 1994, and has served as Division Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at St. Mary's General and Grand River Hospitals. Dr. Garry Toor received his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery certificate from the University of Toronto and teaches surgical residents. Read more in what is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Common Reasons Your Dentist Refers You
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, including teeth close to the nerve or sinus. See wisdom teeth removal.
- Dental implants, especially when bone is limited or a sinus lift or bone graft is needed.
- Complex or surgical extractions, such as broken teeth or teeth with curved roots.
- Impacted canines that need exposure so an orthodontist can guide them into place. See impacted canines.
- Mouth lesions that need a biopsy or removal. See oral pathology.
- Dental anxiety or medical conditions where IV sedation or general anesthesia in a specialist setting is more appropriate. See IV sedation vs general anesthesia.
- Denture preparation, including pre-prosthetic surgery and implant-supported dentures.
How The Referral Process Works
- Your dentist completes a referral, often through our secure online referral form, and includes recent X-rays and relevant notes.
- Our office reviews the referral and contacts you to schedule a consultation. Urgent cases, such as pain or infection, are triaged to be seen sooner.
- You complete your patient registration before the visit.
- At the consultation, the surgeon examines you, reviews imaging, takes additional imaging if needed, and discusses options, risks, anesthesia, and costs.
- Surgery is scheduled, often at a separate appointment.
- After treatment, you return to your dentist for your regular care.
If you do not have a referral but have a concern, call the office at +1 (519)-743-7811 to ask about next steps.
What To Bring To Your Consultation
- Your health card and dental insurance information
- A list of all medications, including dose and frequency, plus herbal and homeopathic products
- Any recent X-rays, if your dentist did not send them
- A parent or guardian if the patient is under 18
- Your questions about anesthesia, recovery, and cost
For more detail, see what to expect at your first oral surgery visit and our first visit page.
Serving Patients Across Waterloo Region
Our office is at 96 Union Street East in Waterloo, near Uptown Waterloo, with plenty of parking. We see patients from Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, and surrounding communities. Directions and contact options are on our contact page.
Sources
- Royal College of Dentists of Canada, specialty certification and the FRCD(C) designation.
- Canadian Dental Association, information on recognized dental specialties.
- Meet Dr. Kevin J. McCann and Dr. Garry Toor, Dr. Kevin J. McCann Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQ
Do I Need A Referral To See An Oral Surgeon In Ontario?
Many patients are referred by their dentist, orthodontist, or physician, which lets the surgeon review X-rays and history in advance. If you do not have a referral, call the office to ask how to arrange an assessment.
Can My Regular Dentist Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Some dentists remove straightforward wisdom teeth. Deeply impacted teeth, teeth close to the nerve or sinus, and patients who want IV sedation or general anesthesia are commonly referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
What Does FRCD(C) Mean?
FRCD(C) stands for Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. It indicates that a dental specialist has completed accredited specialty training and passed the College's national specialty examinations.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Appointment After A Referral?
Timing depends on urgency and the schedule. Our office triages referrals so that patients with pain, infection, or other urgent needs are seen as soon as possible.
Do I Go Back To My Own Dentist After Oral Surgery?
Yes. The oral surgeon treats the specific problem you were referred for, and you continue your regular checkups, cleanings, and restorative care with your own dentist. If you have questions about how your care will be coordinated, ask the office at your consultation.
This article is general patient education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or the written instructions from your own surgeon or dentist. If you have heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, call the office or go to the nearest emergency department.