A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

Understanding the Right Time for Specialized Dental Care

28 September 2024

Oscar Allen

Most of us are familiar with regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups, but there are times when your dental needs go beyond routine care. This is where an oral surgeon steps in. Oral surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating complex dental issues that require surgical intervention. Knowing when to see an oral surgeon can significantly impact your overall oral health and well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore the various scenarios where consulting an oral surgeon becomes essential.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

One of the most common reasons people visit an oral surgeon is for wisdom teeth extraction. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. For many individuals, these teeth can cause problems such as impaction, overcrowding, or infection due to their misalignment or lack of space in the mouth. An oral surgeon has the expertise to remove these problematic teeth safely and efficiently, often preventing further complications like cysts or damage to adjacent teeth.

Dental Implants

Another key reason to see an oral surgeon is when you need dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone. This procedure requires precise surgical skills and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. Not only do oral surgeons ensure the implant integrates properly with your jawbone, but they also handle any necessary bone grafting if your jaw lacks sufficient bone density.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

In some cases, the alignment of your jaw may be causing discomfort or impacting your ability to speak and chew properly. This is where corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, can help. An oral surgeon works closely with an orthodontist to plan and perform this type of surgery, which involves correcting any discrepancies in the size or position of your jaws. This specialized procedure improves facial appearance and enhances overall oral function.

Facial Trauma Repair

Accidents happen, and sometimes they result in facial injuries that require immediate medical attention beyond what a general dentist can provide. Whether the issue stemmed from a sports injury, car accident, or any other form of trauma affecting the face and mouth area, an oral surgeon is equipped to handle complex repairs involving broken jaws, fractured cheekbones, or damaged teeth. Their specialized training ensures both functional restoration and aesthetic considerations are taken into account during treatment.

Oral Pathology

Seeing an oral surgeon becomes crucial when dealing with abnormalities such as cysts, tumors (benign or malignant), lesions inside the mouth, or chronic infections that don’t respond to standard treatments. Oral surgeons play a vital role in diagnosing these conditions through biopsies and imaging studies before proceeding with appropriate surgical interventions if needed.

For more information, reach out to a local service, such as Oral Surgery Associates of the Southern Tier.

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