Oral Surgery
When non-surgical remedies are unsuccessful in treating dental disease, injury or other damage, oral surgery may be warranted.
This specialty area focuses on diagnosis and subsequent surgical removal or reconstruction of conditions involving the mouth, teeth, jaws and facial areas. Oral surgeons are also trained and certified to administer general anesthesia, including through intravenous sedation.
One of the most common oral surgery scenarios involves removal of impacted wisdom teeth or other teeth that have become seriously diseased. Oral surgeons are also skilled at treating facial injuries that range from minor to severe. Included in their skills is the ability to set broken jaws and facial bones, repair severed nerves and tissue. Sufferers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, who have had no success with standard treatments, may find relief with oral surgery procedures that can open the breathing passage by moving the jaws forward, tightening the front tongue tendon or trimming the soft palate. Oral surgery is also frequently used to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental jaw problems so that breathing, eating and talking abilities are improved.
Still more oral surgery procedures involve placement of dental implants and reconstruction of surrounding bone and gum areas for a more natural appearance. In some cases, joint damage – including that of Temporomandibular Joint disorder – is not correctable except with oral surgery.
Many people will have long-time dentists that can help with the selection of an oral surgeon when the necessity arises. Even with this assistance, due diligence should be applied. Scrutinize the decision because the competency of an oral surgeon can be a life-changing factor.
All oral surgeons must graduate from a dental school that is accredited with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and be subsequently certified by the board. They must also hold a license in the specific state where practicing. As residents, oral surgeons train in general surgery, anesthesia, plastic surgery, medicine and pathology.
When considering oral surgery, look for the practice – or specific doctor – to have years of successful operation. The best choice will have conducted many previous surgical procedures and taken continuing education courses in order to perfect the necessary skills. An oral surgeon who has been recognized by a professional dental society is usually a good bet. No oral surgeon should have any problem in thoroughly discussing the proposed treatment plan, surgical procedure and related costs. Because much of what an oral surgeon does is considered cosmetic, certain procedures may not be paid by insurance and instead could require significant out of pocket contributions.
It is also important to have a working understanding of the oral surgeon’s network of collaborators that could be drawn upon in the treatment process. This list could include hospitals or surgery centers and laboratories where prosthetics and other implements are crafted. Another critical component in making the right choice is the surgeon’s emergency plan. While something of this nature is unlikely, unforeseen injuries and surgical complications – even life-threatening ones – can materialize and the practice’s offered services may be needed in off-hours or on weekends and holidays.