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Would you ask your general practitioner to remove your gallbladder or perform bypass surgery? Of course not! You would expect to be sent to a surgeon. The same is true in dentistry. Oral surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental field. After graduating from dental school, oral surgeons complete four more years of education and training to gain expertise in treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, mouth, and jaws. General or family dentists are the go-to dentists for preventive care, cosmetic procedures, and many restorative treatments. When a general dentist comes across a more complex dental issue, he will most likely refer the patient to an oral surgeon. Here are the six conditions that only an oral surgeon should treat: 1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common surgeries that oral surgeons perform, though they are only recommended when absolutely necessary. Unfortunately for most young adults, their third molars grow in sideways and become trapped under the bone and gums. With an oral exam and x-rays, an oral surgeon can determine if surgery is necessary. 2. Tooth and Bone Loss The best way to restore a missing tooth is with a dental implant. These small, titanium rods are inserted through the gum and into the jawbone to replace a tooth root. This promotes jawbone regeneration and secures the prosthetic tooth. The implant must be strategically placed to be effective. In some cases, there isn’t enough bone to support the implant, making it necessary for the oral surgeon to perform a bone graft. This procedure restructures and reinforces the gum tissue so it’s strong enough to hold the implant. 3. Facial Injuries Oral surgeons are specially trained to restore the functions and form of the face, mouth, and jaws. Facial and oral lacerations, fractured facial bones, and dislocated jaws are all considered facial injuries. The health of these areas is of utmost importance, but when it comes to esthetics, an oral surgeon will have the precision, skill, and technology to reduce the physical effects of the injury. 4. TMJ Disorders The temporomandibular joint is a complex system of bones ligaments, cartilage, and muscles that make opening and closing the mouth possible. When this system isn’t working properly, eating and speaking can become extremely difficult. Based on his observations, an oral surgeon will recommend either surgical or nonsurgical treatments for TMJ disorder. Most prefer nonsurgical methods, but in severe cases surgery is necessary. 5. Overbite/Underbite Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is used to treat issues of malocclusion and misalignment. Abnormalities of the jaw often occur when the upper and lower jaws don’t develop at the same rate and because of birth defects. This can lead to difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. It could also cause TMJ disorder. Oral surgeons are highly trained to provide the best care possible to patients with these issues. They will use the latest technology and work closely with the patient’s dentist and orthodontist to ensure the entire treatment process is well organized, effective, and as minimally invasive as possible. 6. Sleep Apnea and Snoring If the cause of a patient’s Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome or snoring is related to the nostrils, mouth, or throat, an oral surgeon can recommend an appropriate treatment. Minimally invasive procedures like the Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty or the Pillar® Procedure have proven to be effective in treating these disorders. Choose an Oral Surgeon Oral surgeons are the only dental specialists that are qualified to perform these six procedures. Patients in the Grapevine, TX area, can trust Dr. Chris Tye to provide high-quality care for their oral surgery needs. Visit our website or call our office today at (817) 552-3223 to schedule an initial consultation.
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