An oral surgeon has the right set of skills to perform full mouth reconstructions. The procedure combines treatments like implants, crowns and composite bonding to repair and rebuild damaged teeth. By the time the full mouth reconstruction process is complete, the function and appearance of the patient's teeth should be improved.Getting a full mouth reconstruction…
What Can an Oral Surgeon Treat?
An oral surgeon is a dentist who takes additional years of training after dental school to learn about the intricacies of performing surgical dental treatments. These specialists are qualified to do everything a dentist can do as well as more complex procedures. Dentists typically refer their patients to oral surgeons when they come across a dental problem that requires surgical intervention.
Issues commonly treated by an oral surgeon
Oral surgeons specialize in performing surgical treatments. Dental issues such as the following can require their services:
1. Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth are the most likely to be impacted. A tooth becomes impacted when it runs into an obstacle as it erupts. The obstacle could be another tooth or bone tissues in the jaw. Whatever its nature, it hinders the tooth from developing properly, which can lead to issues like adjacent teeth becoming damaged and decay.
The standard treatment for an impacted tooth is an extraction. A simple extraction can be performed by most dentists, but an oral surgeon is often needed for an impacted tooth. An impacted tooth may not have emerged above the gums, so the dentist may have to make an incision to reach the tooth.
2. Implant installation
Oral surgeons often install dental prosthetics such as implants. The installation of implants requires minor oral surgery since the oral prosthetic is placed directly into the patient's jaw.
An oral surgeon's extra training comes in handy for such procedures. The procedure usually starts with a consultation with a dentist who can refer a patient to an oral surgeon. Once it is determined the patient has enough bone tissue to support implants and is healthy enough for the surgery, a date is set for the treatment.
During the installation of implants, the surgeon cuts a path in the patient's gums to access the jawbone. A hole is drilled into the jaw and the implant is pushed into it until it is secure. A crown is placed on the implant once the patient has had enough time to heal.
3. Jaw issues
Oral surgeons treat all sorts of jaw irregularities and deformities, including issues with the temporomandibular joints. These are the hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw with the rest of the skull. An oral surgeon can perform surgical treatments that can improve the conditions of patients with jaw trouble.
4. Sleep apnea
People with sleep apnea have interruptions in their breathing that forces them to wake up during sleep to restore proper breathing. Surgical interventions for sleep apnea is usually a last resort, since there are less invasive ways to treat the condition, such as oral appliances and CPAP breathing devices.
However, when these fail, surgical treatments become an option. Surgery can be used to remove tissues that block the patient's airways while they sleep.
Need oral surgery?
Call or visit our Lubbock clinic to learn more about what treatments we can off. Oral surgery may be the solution for a number of dental problems.
Here is how you reach us…
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you would need to undergo treatment from a periodontist. The condition is prevalent and can wreak havoc on the oral cavity. Fortunately, gum infections can be prevented. Early detection, a good oral hygiene routine, deep dental cleaning,s and visiting the dentist regularly are effective ways to restore…
Bone grafting is not a process a lot of people have to go through in life. If you are experiencing jawbone loss, this may be a necessary step to restoring your dental health. It can be a daunting prospect to undergo this operation. This is why you should find out everything you can about what…
Many people are choosing laser dentistry options to correct gum conditions. Crooked, misshapen, and discolored teeth can ruin a smile. But gum problems can also make you feel self-conscious and want to avoid opening your mouth. Some gum issues can affect your oral health and overall wellness too. Instead of going to the periodontist's office…