An Oral Surgeon Discusses Their Role In Oral Health Care

An oral surgeon will be the first to tell you that preventative dental care is far better than corrective or restorative care. That said, there is a reason why some dentists pursue further training after they graduate from dental school.

A percentage of patients that walk into the office of a general dentist require specialized treatment for one reason or another. That is where specialists like orthodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons come in. Before delving into the role of an oral surgeon in oral health care, find out what kind of specialist an oral surgeon is.

The path to becoming an oral surgeon

An oral surgeon starts their training with four years of dental school. They graduate with a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or a DMD (doctor of dental medicine). The future oral surgeon then pursues further training. They enroll in a four-year residency program where they acquire surgical skills in a hospital setting.

When they complete their residency, the soon-to-be oral surgeon goes through the process of board certification. When they pass, they acquire credentials that go nicely with the skills they acquired during their residency.

All this is to say that a patient should know they are in good hands when their general dentist recommends an oral surgeon. Here are some of the situations where an oral surgeon comes into play:

1. Complicated tooth extractions and root canals

General dentists perform their fair share of root canals. That said, some patients have tooth roots with complex anatomies. To ensure the long-term success of challenging root canal procedures, the general dentist will refer such cases to an endodontist or oral surgeon.

A general dentist also does numerous tooth extractions throughout their career. Some of the extractions are simple procedures that only take a few minutes. Others, like wisdom tooth extractions, are a little more complex. Still, a general surgeon will often perform simple wisdom tooth extractions.

However, an impacted wisdom tooth can remain deep inside the jawbone. Extracting such a tooth may require cutting into bone. This is where an oral surgeon comes in. Oral surgeons spend their residency learning about the anatomy of the jaw and the structures that surround it.

2. Bone grafts and sinus lifts

An oral surgeon’s in-depth knowledge of the jawbone and the structures that surround it puts them in a unique position. They have the knowledge and skill to graft donor bone into the jaw while taking extra care to leave the nerves and sinuses intact. That is why an oral surgeon is the best kind of dental specialist to perform sinus lifts and nerve repositioning as they place bone grafts.

3. Dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth

The grafting of bone into the jaw is usually in preparation for dental implant surgery. Again, an oral surgeon has the knowledge and skill to place dental implants with a high success rate. Experience equips the oral surgeon to foresee, prevent or deal with complications from dental implant procedures.

4. Corrective jaw surgery

Injury, misalignment and congenital deformities can affect a patient’s quality of life. Such severe cases often require corrective surgery to reshape the jaw and restore its function. An oral surgeon is the best dental specialist for the job.

5. Cleft palate repair

Like congenital deformities of the jaw, a cleft palate can affect the daily life of a patient. Oral surgeons perform many cleft palate repairs every year. Their surgical training covers the treatment of the soft tissue in both the oral cavity and lower face.

6. Reconstructive surgery

An oral surgeon has the skill to repair bone and soft tissue in and around the mouth. They are the go-to specialist for patients with injuries, congenital deformities and other illnesses that affect the lower part of the face.

Let our oral surgeon put your mind at ease

The idea of surgery causes panic in anyone that finds out they have to undergo a surgical procedure. The good news is that your dentist will not recommend an oral surgeon on a whim. Sometimes, oral surgery is the best and most permanent way to treat an oral health issue.

If you need an oral surgeon, you are in the right place. Our team boasts an oral surgeon with years of experience. They have a breadth and depth of knowledge that covers many surgical procedures. Contact us to find out how our oral surgeon can get you back to good health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.premieroralsurgeryct.com or call Premier Oral Surgery at (203) 945-0049 for an appointment in our Norwalk office.

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