If your dentist has recommended an oral surgeon for your dental issue, you may be unfamiliar with what an oral surgeon does. An oral surgeon has completed the four years of training required to be licensed as a general dentist. In addition, an oral surgeon has completed four years of surgical residence in a hospital setting. Typically, oral surgeons perform advanced dentistry procedures such as the following:
- Broken jaws
- Cosmetic surgery
- Facial injuries
- Knocked-out teeth
- Restorative dentistry
- TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders
If you have any of these, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.
Since oral surgery is often complicated and painful, it may require general anesthesia. Oral surgeons are trained to use all types of anesthesia, so your experience will be as comfortable as they can make it. General anesthesia is typically used when making incisions in the soft tissues. Therefore, you may need general anesthesia or only a local anesthetic, depending on the complexity of your issue. With a local anesthetic, you might be able to drive yourself home afterward, but with a general you’ll need to have someone drive you.
Will Oral Surgery Work Best for My Problem?
If you have dental discomfort or outright severe pain, then an oral surgeon may be able to alleviate your discomfort and restore function to your mouth or jaw. For example, sometimes wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly, and they become impacted. When this occurs, you can experience painful swelling, infection, and permanent damage to the area. An oral surgeon can remove your impacted teeth, which will remedy your immediate discomfort and deter the issue from recurring.
If you’ve lost teeth due to trauma or an infection, an oral surgeon can install implants that look and function like your natural teeth. Implants require an adequate amount of jawbone, however, and you need to maintain good oral hygiene with implants just as you did with your natural teeth. Even though implants aren’t your natural teeth, poor oral hygiene habits can cause you to lose them the same way as natural teeth.
Does oral surgery fix jaw-related problems?
Oral surgery can correct facial issues that aren’t necessarily related to teeth, such as:
- Uneven jaw growth: When your jaws are of unequal length, it can cause problems with eating, breathing, and speaking. If you have uneven jaws, then contact an oral surgeon to alleviate the problem.
- Ill-fitting dentures: If your dentures don’t fit comfortably, it may be due to jaw irregularities. An oral surgeon can eliminate the irregularities so that your dentures fit well and are comfortable.
- TMJ: If you have temporomandibular jaw disjunction that’s not controlled by medication and therapy, then an oral surgeon can fix the problem.
If you have any of the above issues or any that aren’t listed but are jaw-related, then contact an oral surgeon for resolution. Don’t continue to suffer in silence when a phone call can fix your problem.
Does oral surgery fix facial problems?
A multitude of facial issues can be corrected by an oral surgeon, even if you don’t think the issue should be connected to a dentist, such as:
- Cleft lip or palate: Cleft issues are fetal developmental disorders that leave a gap in the roof of the mouth or on the upper lip. Although it can occur on the lower lip, it seldom does. An oral surgeon can correct the issue and eliminate its associated issues.
- Facial injuries: If you have a fractured jaw or broken bones in your face, an oral surgeon can make sure they’re in place, and that they heal properly.
- Facial infections: If you’ve developed an infection that’s causing pain or swelling, an oral surgeon can clear the infection and restore form and function to your face.
- Sleeping issues: If you have problems sleeping, particularly if you have sleep apnea, an oral surgeon can provide several avenues for restoring your good night’s sleep, so don’t delay in contacting them.
If you have any type of facial issue, contact an oral surgeon without delay. You can regain your comfort and aesthetics with just one simple call, so make that call today.
Does My Oral Surgeon Have Before and After Tips for Me to Prepare for Surgery?
If you have an upcoming oral surgery scheduled, then you’re probably feeling apprehensive. Don’t be. By planning ahead, you can alleviate your anxiety, which will make your procedure go more smoothly.
Ask your oral surgeon if you’ll require any prescription medications after your procedure, and if so, can you pick them up the day before. If not, make arrangements for a family member or friend to pick them up. Your oral surgeon will understand that you’re apprehensive. It happens to most of their patients, so discuss your sedation methods with them and any distraction methods that might help you, such as music or videos.
Should I Make Arrangements for Transportation Home?
If you’re having general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to transport you home. They’ll need to bring you to your appointment, remain throughout it, and then take you home. If you have small children, you may need to arrange for childcare help during your recovery.
Are There Lifestyle Habit Changes That Oral Surgeons Recommend?
Before your procedure, you’ll be provided with aftercare instructions that are specific to you. However, oral surgeons generally recommend the following:
- Avoid using tobacco products or smoking for at least 12 hours before your procedure and at least 24 hours afterward.
- If you’re having general anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking for a minimum of eight hours beforehand. Otherwise, you can aspirate during the procedure.
- If you’re having a local anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking for two hours before the procedure.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your procedure.
- Don’t wear contact lenses or jewelry to your appointment.
Following these instructions explicitly can help you avoid the need to reschedule your appointment.
Which Recommendations for Diet and Comfort Will Work Best After Oral Surgery?
After your surgery, your oral surgeon will probably recommend a soft-food diet for several days. If you find that you’re not getting enough nutrition with soft foods, you can add liquid meal supplements such as Boost, Ensure, or SlimFast. Allow several days for your recovery and avoid strenuous activities during that time. Contact your oral surgeon’s office immediately if you notice abnormal bleeding, swelling, or pain.
If you need an oral surgeon, it’s relatively easy to find one. Start by asking your family dentist for a recommendation. If you don’t have a family dentist, then ask your family doctor for advice. Be sure to make an appointment with the oral surgeon before you commit to a surgical procedure, however. You need to ensure that you align with their credentials and expertise. It’s also advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine the scope of your benefits and any exclusions or limitations that may apply. If you develop an emergency, go to your local emergency room immediately.
