What is Oral Surgery?

There is a point where conventional dentistry treatment will not be enough. You might be in a situation where you require surgery - oral surgery to be precise. What is oral surgery? Oral surgery resolves injuries or issues in the head, neck, face, jaws and may include both hard and soft tissues. To become an oral surgeon, one must obtain a four-year graduate degree in dentistry and then complete a four-year hospital oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.

Your family dentist in Powell will likely be the one to refer you to an oral surgeon. However, this does not necessarily mean that your dentist feels you have a case that is challenging, it merely means that there is a specialized surgeon who can better treat your particular needs. Consult your dentist at Infinite Smiles to assess your condition and discuss next steps regarding oral surgery. 

When Is Oral Surgery Necessary?

You may be asking yourself why your dentist feels a referral for oral surgery is necessary. After all, we aren't talking about filling a cavity or even being fitted for braces here. In truth, you might need oral surgery for something as common as dental implants, bridges, or crowns.

Other more serious issues can include the removal of a cyst or tumor that is lodged in the jaw. A referral can be for either cosmetic or for reconstruction needs. It is typically up to your dentist when oral surgery is necessary, but there are also times when the hospital may call in for an oral surgeon in extreme cases when there has been an accident involving an impact to head or face.

Things You Might Need Oral Surgery For

You might be surprised at the number of issues that call for oral surgery. The following are a few of the more common reasons to receive oral surgery: 

- Your wisdom teeth may come in perfectly fine, or you might not have any at all. However, sometimes wisdom teeth come in crooked or even misaligned with your molars. Given that your wisdom teeth are at the very back of your mouth and rooted so deeply, surgery may be required to correct them or even remove them entirely.

- It is possible that a person was in an accident that misaligned their jaw, or they may have been born with it out of place. This condition can affect appearance and speech.

- A cleft lip or palate can form early in a fetus. Some live with this condition through to adulthood. Given the latest advances in surgical techniques, it is not uncommon to opt for reconstructive surgery.

- Cancer in the face, jaw, or neck area will call for oral surgery to treat the affected area.

- Sleep apnea goes untreated in many cases because the patient does not realize they have it. Sometimes, after a proper diagnosis, an oral surgeon can repair the obstruction that may be causing the condition.

Talk to Your Dentist in Powell 

If you or a loved one are living with pain or suffering from an oral condition, it is a good idea to talk to a dentist at Infinite Smiles in Powell, Ohio. Some issues can go undiagnosed and become a far worse issue if not dealt with. Our staff welcome new patients and are prepared to inform you of the potential oral surgery options you might need.

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Dr. Neal Patel travels the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.