The word oral surgery evokes fear in many people’s minds, but there are situations that may warrant a visit to a surgeon rather than just a visit to your regular dentist. In many cases, your dentist will make the referral once it is determined that a specialist needs to handle a particular procedure that you need done. In other cases, your trip to the surgeon may have nothing to do with the dentist or routine dental concerns but may be related to jaw or facial issues that need to be addressed in a surgical way.
One of the most common reasons for visiting an oral surgeon is to have wisdom teeth removed. Since this procedure is typically a bit more complex than a regular extraction because teeth may be impacted or may not be protruding through the gums at all, a surgeon is usually called upon for proper removal of the teeth, rather than having a general dentist doing the job. These specialists may also be recommended for other types of tooth extractions as well.
When you have these procedures performed, the experience is not much different than visiting the dentist. You will typically go into the office, which will resemble the look and feel of a dentist’s office. In many cases, the surgeon works right out of your favorite dentist’s office and you don’t even have to go to a different location. You will sit in a dental chair and will see much of the same equipment surrounding you as you are accustomed to seeing at the dentist’s office. Depending on the procedure to be performed, you may be given a local anesthetic or may have IV or sleep sedation provided. Together with the surgeon, you can determine which form of anesthesia is right for you and the particular procedure.
Another common procedure that may warrant a trip to the oral surgeon rather than just your regular dentist is the implantation of the titanium rods that serve as the posts for dental implants. Since the rods must be surgically implanted into the jaw bone, this part of the implant procedure is often done by a specialist. Once the surgical site begins to heal, a dentist can then take over preparing your mouth for a new artificial tooth to sit on the implanted post.
In some cases, there is not enough healthy bone available to properly support the implant and when this occurs, a bone graft may have to be done. This procedure is considered an oral surgery procedure, not a dental procedure, and will be performed prior to any implantation of the post.
Oral surgeons also perform other procedures such as jaw surgery, gum surgery, TMJ treatment and other treatments related to the teeth, gums, jaw and face. In many cases, the specialists work in conjunction with you regular dentist to provide you with the care you need.
For more information about the oral surgery procedures offered at Park Dental Care in Astoria, Queens, call 718-274-1515.
