What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Oral surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of dental issues, injuries, and diseases that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. They possess extensive knowledge and skills in both dental and surgical fields, as well as anesthesia, which allows them to provide a comprehensive range of care.
An oral surgeon's role frequently involves the performance of complex dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and reconstructive surgery. They are also responsible for diagnosing and treating conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, facial pain, sleep apnea, and cleft palate and craniofacial abnormalities.
Their training includes four years of surgical residency after earning a dental degree, during which they hone their skills in a hospital-based setting. This specialized education and training enable oral surgeons to perform a variety of procedures, including:
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Implant procedures: Place dental implants to replace missing teeth or support oral appliances like dentures.
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Wisdom tooth extraction: remove wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing discomfort or disease.
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Facial trauma repair: Addressing complex facial injuries, such as jaw fractures, nosebleeds, and orbital fractures.
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Cosmetic facial enhancements: Offer procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and blepharoplasty to improve appearance.
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Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): Resize the jawbones to correct a receding chin, protruding lower jaw, or overbite.
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Cleft lip and palate surgery: Correct congenital defects involving the lip and palate to improve speech, eating, and dental function.
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Sleep apnea treatment: Palate or tongue surgery to improve breathing.
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Salivary gland surgery: Remove saliva stones or treat salivary gland diseases.
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Cancer treatment: Manage oral tumors, cysts, and other malignancies in the maxillofacial region.
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Oral and maxillofacial emergencies: Handle crisis situations involving airways, jaw stabilization, and severe pain management.
In addition to direct patient care, oral surgeons often work with other dental professionals, medical specialists, and dental anesthetists to ensure the best possible care for their patients. The importance of choosing a qualified, experienced oral surgeon cannot be overstated, especially for procedures that require complex surgical techniques and advanced anesthesia skills. When it comes to your dental health and appearance, an oral surgeon is a crucial member of your healthcare team.
