There usually comes a time in one’s life when the need for oral surgery occurs … impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed; a defect requires repair; a biopsy is needed for a suspicious area. Any of these situations, along with many other conditions, can be attended to by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Trauma occurring from an accident often requires the expertise of an oral surgeon. With facial injuries, the patient has any number of bones, teeth, or areas like the tongue, jaw, chin, throat, or neck that can be impacted. Salvaged teeth can be re-inserted, cuts can be repaired, or a treatment plan for continuous reconstructive surgery can be implemented for long term relief and restoration.
One of the most common surgical procedures performed is that of removing impacted third molars. These are the wisdom teeth, usually the last teeth to erupt. Quite often they remain imbedded in gum tissue with their removal requiring surgery. Leaving these teeth alone can result in creating a dental malocclusion or infection can occur. Having these teeth removed can be a preventative measure, however, for many these teeth present problems and their extraction is necessary.
One of the most common surgical procedures performed is that of removing impacted third molars.
Birth defects such as cleft palate or cleft lip can be surgically repaired. Other defects, whether they occurred at birth or later, are often resolved by an oral surgeon.
When tooth loss has occurred, dental implants are often placed by an oral surgeon. This small titanium apparatus is surgically placed in gum tissue where the tooth is missing. Over the following healing period, the bone forms a biological bond with the implant to provide a stable, permanent base for the restoration that will ultimately cover it.
Most surgeries will involve sleep sedation. The patient is continually monitored from the onset of the procedure until they are ready to be released to return home. The knowledge and expertise attained by a minimum of four additional years of education following dental school will assure the patient that the surgeon has been thoroughly trained for all aspects of their treatment.
Most oral surgery procedures are performed on an out-patient basis with the patient being advised to rest for at least the remainder of the day to control bleeding. More extensive surgery may require more time to recover.
To learn more about the conditions treated by our team of oral & maxillofacial surgeons, contact any of our three convenient locations today.
