Need an Oral Surgeon? Here’s What They Treat
What is an oral surgeon?
An oral surgeon is a special kind of dentist who has in-depth training in performing operations on the mouth, teeth, jaw, and gums. These include tooth extractions, dental implants, and jaw surgery.
What conditions do oral surgeons treat?
Below are several examples of the many conditions oral surgeons are skilled in treating:
- Impacted teeth
- Cysts and tumors of the jaw
- Injuries to the mouth and jaws
- Birth defects of the face and jaws
- Cancer of the mouth and throat
In fact, oral surgeons usually collaborate with other dentists and medical professionals so that their patients get the best care possible. Using a variety of techniques, they treat patients’ conditions – up to and including surgery. Occasionally, oral surgeons may also treat TMJ disorders and sleep apnea.
What to expect
Oral surgeons typically treat these conditions by first conducting a thorough consultation with the patient to understand their situation and medical history. During this meeting, the surgeon will tell the patient what they can expect from the oral surgery process.
The next step is to book an appointment (or series of appointments) for the procedure which may or may not require anesthesia. Pre-procedure care instructions are provided to the patient; as well as post-procedure guidelines to aid in the recovery process.
Highly-trained professionals
While oral surgeons are highly trained professionals, they rely on the latest technology and techniques to provide their patients with the best treatment available. Therefore, continuous training is necessary to keep their knowledge current.
The oral surgery team at Eastern Virginia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, for example, uses Yomi® Roboted-Assisted Surgery which features safe and precise placement of dental implants. For patients who qualify, this highly advanced procedure allows for same-day treatment, as well.
Are there any risks associated with treatment by an oral surgeon?
While most procedures are considered safe, any type of surgery involves risk. Prior to your procedure, the oral surgeon will go over these risks with you. Some of the more common risks include bleeding, swelling, and infection. In very rare cases, oral surgery can cause nerve damage or paralysis. To minimize these risks, it is extremely important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions before and after your surgery.
Conclusion: what to expect when seeing an oral surgeon
In summary, patients can expect an oral surgeon to offer a variety of services. These may include jaw surgery, wisdom tooth extraction, and dental implants. As with any type of surgery, patients should know the possible risks and complications that go along with these procedures. Finally, they should ask their oral surgeon any questions they may have about the surgery.
If you live in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, VA and need an oral surgeon, contact the Eastern Virginia Oral and Maxillofacial surgery center closest to you. We look forward to helping you!
Recent Comments