Did you know that there are around 7500 oral surgeons practicing in the US?
Oral surgeons (correctly known as oral maxillofacial surgeons) have a vast job scope. They can operate on the face, jaw, and mouth.
Whereas a general dentist may be able to perform minimally invasive surgeries (e.g., tooth extractions), an oral surgeon is licensed to perform complex, specialist procedures.
Are you wondering whether an oral surgeon or dentist would be best for you? If so, you’ve come to the right place; we’re here with a list of all the common types of procedures oral surgeons complete.
Read on to find out more.
Trauma
An emergency oral surgeon will deal with accidental injuries and facial traumas. From broken jaws to missing teeth, every ER has (or can call) dental oral surgeons to fix you up.
These cases usually then need to follow-up in private practice. Following emergency oral surgery, you can continue to visit your surgeon for progress and rehabilitation updates.
Disease
Oral surgeons are often responsible for helping identify and diagnose oral cancer. Because oral cancer begins with abnormal cell growth in the mouth, a surgeon may spot it before you do.
Once the cancer is diagnosed, an oral surgeon can perform surgery to remove the tumor.
Deformity and Cosmetic Surgery
A cleft lip or cleft palate is a rare congenital disability. A pediatric oral surgeon will be a specialist in performing cleft lip and palate surgeries. They can do this surgery when the child is between six months and a year.
Adult patients often consult oral surgeons for cosmetic solutions to help change the look of their jaw or face. However, these surgeries won’t be covered by insurance as they’re elective.
Periodontal and Dental Issues
Although s general dentist can deal with most teeth and gum problems, there are some cases when you would want to see an oral surgeon. They’re experienced with complex tooth extractions and cancer diagnoses.
An oral surgeon can also have a leading role in treating gum disease. In advanced gum (periodontal) disease, an oral surgeon can use cutting-edge laser technology on diseased gum. This can destroy diseased tissue without compromising healthy cells.
This is a relatively new treatment, so not every clinic offers it. If you think you have periodontal disease, search for the best oral surgeon in the area and ask them about your options.
Oral Surgeons: Don’t Underestimate Their Knowledge!
If you thought you did many things at work, it’s probably nowhere near the scope of an oral surgeon’s job role. Although oral surgeons tend to specialize in one of these areas, they still have a vast amount of knowledge and skills.
If you need a simple tooth extraction, visit the dentist. For anything more, find the best oral surgeon in your area and give them a call!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our other articles for all things health, dental, lifestyle, and more.
Leave a Reply