Do You Need an Oral Surgeon?

If you’ve been to your dentist and were informed that you need oral surgery, you might not know the next step. An oral surgeon is a general dentist who has completed an additional four years of surgical residency in a hospital. Oral surgeons are adept at performing advanced dental procedures such as root canals, extracting impacted wisdom teeth, fixing knocked-out teeth, and broken jaws. If you want dental implants, have TMJ problems, need cosmetic surgeries, or have facial injuries, you may need an oral surgeon.

Since oral surgeons have completed their hospital residency, they’re trained in the administration of all types of anesthesia. This ensures that you’ll be as comfortable as possible during your procedure whether you have a local or undergo general anesthesia. Usually, oral surgery is used when the needed work is extensive and involves incising the soft tissues. If you have general anesthesia, you’ll need to arrange for transportation after your procedure because you’ll be unable to drive.

Is There a Better Option Than Oral Surgery?

Many times, oral surgery is the only remedy for dental pain or discomfort. For example, if wisdom teeth don’t erupt correctly, they can become impacted and result in infection, swelling, severe pain, and sometimes inflict permanent damage. An oral surgeon can remove the impacted teeth, which will alleviate the immediate issues and prevent further problems. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, don’t delay seeking treatment for it because it won’t get better without professional intervention.

If you’ve lost teeth due to injury or decay, an oral surgeon can remedy the problem with dental implants. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and eventually become part of the jaw through a process known as osseointegration. Implants require sufficient bone density in the jaw, and you’ll need to use good oral hygiene with your implants the same as with your natural teeth.

Can oral surgery fix jaw-related problems?

Oral surgery can resolve many jaw-related issues, such as:

• Unequal jawbone growth: If your jaws are of unequal length, it can be difficult to eat, breathe, or speak. An oral surgeon can correct the issue so that these activities aren’t problematic.
• Jaw irregularities: If irregularities in your jawbone prevent your dentures from fitting comfortably, then an oral surgeon can remove the irregularities and enable your dentures to fit well.
• TMJ disorder: If you have temporomandibular joint disorder that doesn’t respond to therapy and medication, an oral surgeon can rectify the problem.

Don’t suffer with any of these conditions. Contact an oral surgeon for an appointment and regain your comfort and activity levels.

Can oral surgery fix facial problems?

Oral surgery can often correct facial irregularities, whether they’re genetic or have occurred due to trauma, such as:

• Facial injuries: Broken or fractured bones in your face can be unsightly as well as painful. An oral surgeon can correct the problems and restore your facial symmetry and health.
• Cleft lip or palate: Cleft issues are a fetal developmental disorder that causes a cleft in the roof of the mouth or in the lip, usually the upper lip. An oral surgeon can surgically repair these issues, which will restore symmetry and function to the areas.
• Facial infection: An infection can cause painful swelling in the face, and left untreated, can inflict permanent damage. An oral surgeon can treat the area, eliminate the infection, and restore your facial health.
• Sleep problems: If you have sleep apnea or other issues related to poor sleep quality, an oral surgeon may be able to restore your ability to sleep well, particularly if non-surgical methods haven’t worked.

Don’t suffer with facial issues. Contact an oral surgeon for a safe, effective remedy to any of the above issues.

Does My Oral Surgeon Have Before and After Care Tips to Help Me Prepare for Surgery?

An upcoming oral surgery can make you anxious and apprehensive, but a little preparation ahead of time can alleviate many of your concerns. Before your surgery, check with your oral surgeon’s office to see if you’ll need medication afterward. If so, then arrange for it to be picked up if you can’t get it beforehand. Make sure you have transportation arranged if you need it, and don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your oral surgeon. If you have questions about your sedation method, be sure to ask them before the date of your procedure. Your oral surgeon understands that many people are apprehensive about being sedated, so ask about methods for relaxing during the procedure.

Should I Make Arrangements for Transportation?

If you’re having a local anesthesia, you may not need a driver. However, if you’re having general sedation, then you should ensure you have a driver who will stay throughout the procedure and ensure that you get home safely. If you have young children, you may need to make arrangements for childcare for a few days and allow yourself a few days to heal. Avoid any strenuous activities during the first few days.

Are There Changes to Lifestyle Habits That Oral Surgeons Recommend?

You’ll be provided with specific aftercare instructions after your procedure, but you should also adhere to the following:

• Avoid eating and drinking for eight hours before general anesthetic surgery. Otherwise, you can vomit and aspirate during the surgery.
• Avoid eating or drinking for two hours before a surgical procedure if you’re receiving a local anesthetic.
• Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before your procedure and 24 hours afterward.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the procedure, and don’t wear contact lenses or jewelry.
• Adhering to these instructions will help ensure that your procedure goes smoothly.

Which Recommendations for Diet and Comfort Will Facilitate My Recovery?

Usually, an oral surgeon will recommend that you maintain a soft-food diet for several days. If that doesn’t meet your nutritional needs, you can include meal replacement options such as Ensure or Boost. If you experience unusual bleeding, swelling, or pain, be sure to contact your oral surgeon’s office without delay.

If you need an oral surgeon, ask your family dentist. If you do not have a family dentist, then ask your family doctor for recommendations. Make an appointment with the recommended oral surgeon before you commit to a procedure because you want to ensure that you are a good fit with their philosophy. Be sure to contact your insurance company beforehand so that you know the scope, limitations, and exclusions of your policy and take the information to your appointment with the surgeon. If you develop an emergency, go to your local emergency room.