Health

When Is It Time to See an Oral Surgeon? 

Close-up portrait from bottom of a dentist holding in his hand an x-ray film and consulting with his female assitant.

Have you ever had an oral surgeon treat you? There is a first time for everything, and if your dentist believes you should see a specialist, you should follow their guidance. You are probably familiar with your dentist; after all, you probably receive a checkup and cleaning at least every year. It may be difficult to entrust your care to someone else. 

However, some treatments should only be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose degree of training and experience exceeds that of a conventional dentist. If you are interested in dental practice in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, New York, schedule an appointment with a dentist today. 

Complicated tooth extractions 

A dentist can perform simple tooth extractions, but complex situations require surgical intervention. If you have facial structures that make extraction of teeth difficult or certain other teeth conditions, consult a maxillofacial and oral surgeon. 

Solving bite problems 

Orthodontic care may be required for anyone with an overbite, underbite, or open bite to improve teeth alignment. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon because your treatment plan may include surgical procedures before orthodontics if you have a bite problem. 

Relief from pain in the jaw 

An oral surgeon can diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment if you have severe jaw pain. Seeing a surgeon can help you relieve pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, bruxism, an undiscovered fracture, or any other ailment. 

Sleep apnea treatments 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a hazardous health condition characterized by nighttime breathing pauses. If your dentist suspects you have sleep apnea and may require surgical therapy to relieve airway obstructions, you will be sent to an oral surgeon. 

Oral pathology screening 

If your dentist notices a suspicious tumor or lesion in your mouth, he or she would most likely refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Surgeons are oral pathology experts who can use various cancer screening tools to assess whether the location is a health risk. 

Placement of dental implants 

If you are thinking about getting dental implants, your dentist may suggest placing them, but you should consult an oral surgeon instead. Surgeons have significant experience performing the treatment and specialized training and education in implant placement. Simply said, seeing a surgeon increases your chances of having a positive experience and a favorable outcome. 

An experienced dental surgeon can provide you with the expert care you deserve, so schedule an appointment today. 

Leave a Reply