How Can an Oral Surgeon Help Fix My Smile?

November 23, 2019
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How Can an Oral Surgeon Help Fix My Smile?

An oral surgeon is who most people go to when they have problems with their teeth that cannot be fixed with cosmetic treatments. However, since surgery is usually considered the final option when it comes to fixing the teeth, it is important that patients consult with their dentist before they visit an oral surgeon.

When a patient has problems with their teeth, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a dentist to get examined. If the dentist examines the patient and determines that an oral surgeon is the best person to treat the problem, they will recommend one to their patient.

What types of problems can an oral surgeon fix?

An oral surgeon specializes in treating facial problems as well as problems with the jaw, which require surgery. They must complete extra training and education beyond what is normal for a dentist, and some of them get a medical degree along with their oral surgery diplomas.

Some of the dental problems oral surgeons can fix include:

Impacted teeth

This occurs when the wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but are unable to because there is no room in the mouth for them. The teeth end up being unable to come out or only come out partially, which can cause soreness of the gums and infections. An oral surgeon can fix this by extracting the wisdom tooth before it becomes a problem.

Jaw-joint problems

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. The joint can cause problems like pain in the jaw, jaw-popping, stiffness and headaches. In most cases, oral devices, pain medication and ice packs can help with the pain. However, if the problem is a recurring one, oral surgery may be needed.

Bite problems

If the jaw or teeth aren’t aligned properly, a dentist may recommend orthognathic surgery. It is an option for people with excessive overbites or underbites, trouble chewing or swallowing, as well as people with certain birth defects or sleep apnea. If the only problem is the alignment, it can be fixed by an orthodontist. However, if the problems are caused by the jaw, the patient will likely need to see an oral surgeon.

Dental implants

When a patient has missing teeth and wants to replace them with dental implants, they will need to see an oral surgeon to embed the titanium implant into their jaw before their dentist can attach the dental crown that will replace the missing tooth.

If the patient does not have enough bone density in their jaw, the oral surgeon will have to perform a bone graft, which involves taking bone tissue from one part of the body and applying it to the jaw to hold the implant in place.

Conclusion

Oral surgeons are important to your oral health because they can fix problems with the teeth that general dentists cannot. If you have a serious problem with your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out if you need to see an oral surgeon.

Request an appointment here: https://gratondentalgr.wpengine.com or call Graton Dental Group at (707) 706-2028 for an appointment in our Rohnert Park office.

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Call our Rohnert Park Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

Call our Rohnert Park Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.


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