When Is Dental Oral Surgery Recommended by an Oral Surgeon?
Dental oral surgeries are performed by oral surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral conditions, injuries or imperfections in the jaw, head or oral cavity. Often, a general dentist will recommend that the patient visits an oral surgeon for a certain procedure to improve their oral health. Knowing when these recommendations might be made can be helpful for those who are not sure what to expect.
When are dental oral surgeries needed?
Below is an overview of when dental oral surgery from an oral surgeon may be recommended.
Tooth replacement
Oral surgery is commonly recommended for tooth replacement. Oral surgeons can perform a dental implant placement procedure that acts as a replacement for the tooth's structure. Then, a few months later, the patient can return to the oral surgeon for abutment attachment. Abutments are responsible for connecting the dental implants to the artificial tooth, which will be a crown or denture piece.
Grafting
Grafting is used to add bone or gum tissue to the oral cavity. When an individual needs dental implants, but there is not enough bone to support them, an oral surgeon may need to place a bone graft. In the case of gum grafting, oral surgery may be recommended in order to strengthen the gum tissues, which are often lost or weakened as a result of periodontal disease.
Tooth extraction
Dental surgery from an oral surgeon may be recommended in the case of tooth extraction, whether it be a traditional adult tooth or a wisdom tooth. Some general dentists are equipped to extract teeth, but if there are complications, then a visit to an oral surgeon may be a more ideal option. Additionally, if the wisdom teeth need to be extracted, then an oral surgeon is typically better qualified to perform it.
TMD
TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a condition that results from a dysfunction of the jaw. TMD is often treated by dental professionals, including oral surgeons. When traditional therapy does not work, it may be advised to undergo a surgical procedure to reconstruct the joint so it functions properly, thus reducing pain, discomfort and pressure in the jaw area.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that is commonly treated by dentists. Traditional dental treatment is usually effective, but in some cases, more extensive solutions may be required. Dental surgery from an oral surgeon may be recommended, which can consist of surgical procedures to alter the way the oral cavity sits, thus preventing airway blockages.
Visit an oral surgeon
There are many other times that dental oral surgery may be advised. To find out more, it is best to consult with an oral surgeon directly. An evaluation can be done in order to determine any needs. Additionally, questions can be answered and concerns can be addressed. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 910-1213 for an appointment in our Santa Maria office.
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