Oral surgeons are dental specialists who specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face, including wisdom teeth extraction, removal of tumors, and corrective jaw surgery. While your dentist can handle many dental problems, there are some situations where you might need to see an oral surgeon. This post will explore some common situations that require the attention of an oral surgeon.

Wisdom Teeth Removal:

Many people develop four extra molars, known as wisdom teeth, in their late teens or early twenties. However, these teeth do not always grow properly, leading to pain, swelling, infection, decay, and even damage to adjacent teeth. In such cases, the patient might need to get the wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon.

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jaw to support a bridge, crown, or denture. If you are missing teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease and cannot eat, speak, or smile properly, you might need to consult an oral surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder:

The temporomandibular joint is a crucial hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. It can cause pain, clicking, popping, stiffness, and lockjaw, which can impair eating, speaking, and yawning. An oral surgeon can perform a range of treatments for TMJ disorders, including arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery.

Oral Cancer:

Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects the mouth and throat, causing pain, difficulty swallowing, and swelling. The oral surgeon can perform biopsies, remove tumors, and reconstruct the damaged areas of the mouth or face, depending on the severity of the cancer.

Corrective Jaw Surgery:

If you have a misaligned jaw or problems with your bite, it can cause a range of issues, such as difficulty eating, breathing, and speaking. Oral surgeons can perform corrective jaw surgery to realign the jawbones, improve the function of the jaw, and enhance the appearance of the face.

If you have any of the above-mentioned dental problems, it might be time to consult an oral surgeon. Fortunately, many oral surgeries are minimally invasive and can be performed with local anesthesia or sedation. So, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to an oral surgeon to get the care you need. It’s important to prioritize your dental health, and working with a specialist can address any underlying problems and help prevent subsequent issues down the road.

For more information, contact an oral surgeon in your area.