DANB General Chairside Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Exam Preparation Guide

The requirement for a referral to an oral surgeon typically arises in situations that involve complex surgical procedures or conditions that exceed the routine scope of general dental practice. Severe jaw misalignment or the extraction of wisdom teeth can often necessitate surgical intervention, particularly if the wisdom teeth are impacted or positioned in a way that presents complications for extraction.

Oral surgeons are specialists equipped to handle such situations; they have the training and experience to manage the associated challenges, including anesthesia and potential complications. In cases of severe jaw misalignment, surgical correction may involve repositioning the jawbones, which requires a level of expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

In contrast, conditions like a minor cavity, teeth whitening services, or orthodontic adjustments are generally managed by general dentists and orthodontists, respectively. These procedures typically do not require the specialized training or surgical intervention that an oral surgeon provides, making them less suited for referral to that specialist.