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Stomatology: The Medical Expert in Oral Health

Stomatology represents an essential medical specialty in the field of oral health. Combining surgical and medical expertise, stomatologists are highly qualified professionals who manage complex pathologies of the mouth, teeth, and face. Discover the crucial role of these experts and the situations that require their intervention.

Note: In the United States, the specialty of stomatology has largely been integrated into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) is a dental specialist who has completed a hospital-based surgical residency program, often including a medical degree (MD). This article uses "stomatologist" as a general term for this advanced specialty.

What is Stomatology?

Stomatology, from the Greek "stomatos" (mouth) and "logos" (study), is a medical-surgical specialty that treats all pathologies affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. It encompasses a broad range of procedures from simple extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries.

The Stomatologist: A Versatile Expert

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a healthcare professional who combines dual expertise: medical and surgical. Their scope of practice covers:

In daily practice, these surgeons collaborate closely with other specialists: ENTs, orthodontists, neurosurgeons, and pediatricians.

Difference Between a Stomatologist and a Dentist

While these two professions share some skills, their training differs significantly:

  • A general dentist completes a four-year dental school program (DDS or DMD) after their undergraduate degree, focusing on general oral health care.
  • An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes dental school and then undergoes an extensive hospital-based surgical residency of four to six years. This advanced training provides them with a deep understanding of both medicine and complex surgical procedures of the face and jaw.

This dual training gives the surgeon a more comprehensive view, combining medical expertise with advanced dental and surgical skills.

When to Consult a Stomatologist or Oral Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is consulted for a variety of situations:

  • Complex extractions (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth).
  • Facial malformations (cleft lip and palate, maxillary growth anomalies).
  • Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face and jaw.
  • Treatment of cysts and tumors of the jaws.
  • Management of facial dysmorphoses (prognathism, retrognathia).
  • Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
  • Placement of dental implants, especially in complex cases requiring bone grafting.

Modern stomatology thus combines medical expertise, surgical precision, and aesthetic considerations to offer comprehensive care for oral and maxillofacial pathologies.