What is Oral Surgery?

When your dentist advises treatment with an Oral Surgeon, some may worry that something is seriously wrong and that after a painful procedure, they will be out of commission for weeks. This is not necessarily true. Oral Surgeons are brought on board to aid in providing the best treatment possible for an array of common problems. Impacted wisdom teeth, malocclusion (a bad bite), TMJ and sleep apnea are a few such problems.

Many oral surgery cleveland tx procedures are outpatient treatments and allow the patient to return to normal daily activities within a few days. Your dentist will be able to discuss treatment with you and inform you on the reason for their recommendation to see an oral surgeon. If you are uncomfortable, request to meet the oral surgeon for a consultation first. During this time, the Oral Surgeon can calm any fears you may have about the recommended treatment.

Oral Surgeons are consulted for:

The detection and treatment of disease

While your general dentist is trained to recognize abnormalities and detect cancer in your oral tissue, they may decide a biopsy would be beneficial and would then have you visit the oral surgeon they most recommend. A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a sample of the questionable area is extracted. That tissue sample is sent off to a lab for analysis. The oral surgeon will receive the results and you will be notified by their office. If treatment is required, the oral surgeon would be the one to provide it.

Extractions

Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted and those that are impacted (never erupted through the gum) are a common cause for extraction. Other teeth that may need to be extracted include:

  • Those that are beyond repair from decay or root fracture
  • Primary teeth that never erupted and are preventing permanent teeth from coming in
  • Treatment plans that require extractions to reduce crowding, especially orthodontic treatment

Implants

Dental implants are placed to restore any missing spaces in your mouth and are a common solution for many dentists. An Oral Surgeon or Periodontist will place the implant. The healing time for an implant is about a week, at which point you can resume your regular eating habits. Your dentist will receive reports and updates after each follow up at the Oral Surgeon’s office. When your Oral Surgeon clears you for restoration, your dentist will place the crown on the implant.

Corrective jaw surgery

Jaw surgery may be needed if a patient clenches or grinds their teeth or if they have any trouble biting, chewing or opening and closing their mouth. A patient may also require surgery on their jaw to correct the position of the jaw or for malocclusion. Those who suffer from TMJ or who have had any sort of trauma to the jaw might also benefit from jaw surgery. If you have any concerns that you think could be solved with oral surgery, speak with your dentist the decide what treatment option might be right for you.

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