What Is an Oral Surgeon? If your dentist has referred you to an oral surgeon, it usually means your case calls for training beyond what a general dental practice provides. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists who manage surgery of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda in Buda, that is the whole of what we do.How Oral Surgeons Are Trained and Certified?Board-certified oral surgeons attend dental school, as all dentists do. After that, they take part in an additional four to six-year hospital-based residency program followed by examinations set by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Beyond their certification, oral surgeons commit to lifelong learning to keep up with the latest techniques. Is an Oral Surgeon the Same as a Dental Surgeon?The terms are often used loosely, but they are not equivalent. A general dentist may perform minor surgical procedures within the scope of general practice. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has completed a hospital residency in surgery and performs it daily, including cases involving anesthesia, the facial bones, and the nerves and sinuses close to the roots of the teeth. What Treatments Do Oral Surgeons Perform?An oral surgeon may be called upon to perform treatments that range from wisdom teeth extractions, to reconstructive surgery in the mouth following trauma caused by accidents, congenital birth defects, or after tumor removal. Some of the common areas that may require the expertise of an oral surgeon include: Teeth ExtractionsSimple tooth extractions are carried out by a general dentist. However, in complex cases where the tooth may be broken below the gum line, or the tooth root is long and runs underneath other teeth, an oral surgeon's knowledge and expertise is the preferred option. Dental ImplantsWith their extensive knowledge of anatomy and management of complications, oral surgeons are well-versed in the art of dental implant placement. They are often needed in patients who have bone loss in the jawbone where they can perform a bone graft to augment the jaw to make it suitable to hold a dental implant. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) ProblemsOral surgeons diagnose and manage TMJ problems, where patients may experience pain and discomfort in the joint where the jawbone meets the skull. There are a variety of causes for TMJ discomfort which may be related to teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, injury, misaligned teeth, and even stress. Conditions Requiring SurgeryOral surgeons perform minor and major reconstructive surgery to the oral tissues and facial bones following oral cancer treatments, accidents, and for congenital disorders, such as cleft lip and palate. Corrective jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, addresses bite irregularities such as overbite and underbite by realigning the jaw and teeth. It is performed by some surgeons within the specialty, typically alongside an orthodontist. Where a case calls for it, we coordinate a referral to a surgeon who focuses on that work. Treatment of Pathological ConditionsOral surgeons are specialists in diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face. This includes diagnosing and treating oral cancers, severe oral infections, cysts, benign tumors, as well as performing biopsies and other diagnostic tests. There is no need to feel worried about being referred to an oral surgeon. In most cases, there is little to be concerned about and your case will just need a more skilled professional. Many oral surgical treatments are carried out in a dental office, rather than a hospital, under a local anesthetic, or conscious sedation. Get in touch with us at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda to find out more about the treatments carried out by our board-certified oral surgeons. Call us at (737) 335-0017. |
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