Many dental patients may find that their dentist has referred them to an oral surgeon for a specific procedure. Patients may wonder why the extra money and going out of their way to a different office is necessary. Oral surgeons go through an additional 3 to 4 years of training after dental school to learn more about jaw bones, gums, and facial bones. Some oral procedures and surgeries are better performed by an oral surgeon than inside your dental office for safety and quality reasons.
Oral surgeons who have the proper training and education can perform many tasks, below we will share some of the most common reasons that a dentist may recommend you see a surgeon.
1- Extracting Wisdom Teeth Or Impacted Teeth
For many people’s wisdom teeth, your dentist doesn’t have the anesthesia or numbing power to remove the teeth without pain. Oral surgeons will help give you an IV and put you to sleep so they can remove your wisdom teeth without issue. This is better for the patient if they have impacted or turned teeth that need to be cut out of the mouth.
2- Oral Cancer Removal
When you have deep-seated infections or cancer growths you will need an oral surgeon to remove them surgically. Cancer usually results in tumors, so oral surgeons will be able to remove them and limit future problems. Getting cancer out of your jaw or gums can be intense, so oral surgeons will know how to remove them safely, limit swelling, and improve your jaw function.
3- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry procedures help to enhance your smile and make a drastic change. Some cosmetic dental procedures include cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, dental implants, and dental veneers. While teeth whitening doesn’t require an oral surgeon, the more invasive procedures that involve your jaw and teeth will.
4- Dental Implants
An implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth, so they are used to keep your mouth healthy after the loss of a tooth. The implant will replace a tooth root and help stimulate the jaw bone, so oral surgeons are needed to ensure that the implant is done correctly. If your jawbone starts to deteriorate, you will be in a lot of pain and will notice changes in your facial appearance.
Oral surgeons may be more expensive than your general dentist but they are needed in order for patients to have quality oral health. Putting off dental care from an oral surgeon can lead to jaw damage that can affect you for the rest of your life.
5- Treatment For Temporomandibular Joint Disease (TMJ)
Temporomandibular Joint Disease causes jaw pain that makes speaking and eating extremely painful. Oral surgeons can help repair your jaw with Arthrocentesis, Arthroscopy, and Open Joint Surgery. Surgeons will know where to make the correct incisions and remove bone spurs in your jaw that can cause you pain.
TMJ also brings scar tissue and limited motion of the jaw, so visiting an oral surgeon can give you a better life free of jaw pain.
6- Correcting Sleep Apnea
Structural jaw problems cause sleep apnea. While there are some treatments to help train you to avoid mouth breathing or snoring while sleeping, many cases can only be corrected by an oral surgeon.
One procedure that is done on sleep apnea patients is Palatal Implants. These are fiber rods that are put into the soft palate to ensure that the person’s airway is kept clear. Remedies for sleep apnea are often more complex than your dentist can handle as it typically involves hardware or working with bones around the face.
Other Services From Sunset Dental Care
Our dental office is proud to offer a state-of-the-art facility with many services for patients of all ages. Our Sunset, UT dental office offers family dentistry, dentures, protective mouth guards, dental crowns, cosmetic dentistry, root canals, and more.
We also take a variety of insurance plans to ensure that your oral care doesn’t take a large chunk out of your finances. If you have questions about financing or paying for certain procedures, our office staff would be happy to help. We thank you for choosing our dental practice for your dental needs! Contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment at 801-773-1533.
