5 Common Questions Answered by an Oral Surgeon

Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that involves complex dental procedures beyond general dental care. It is normal to have questions about what oral surgeons do and which procedures require their expertise. Here are five common questions answered by an oral surgeon.

1. What is an oral surgeon?

Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are specially trained dental professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of complex oral and facial conditions. In addition to dental and medical school, they learn to perform hospital-based surgical procedures and administer anesthesia. Their education and training advance beyond the teeth and gums to the jaw, face, and skull. Oral surgeons can perform procedures such as tooth extractions, jaw realignment, and removing tumors or cysts from the jaw and face.

2. When should I see an oral surgeon?

While a general dentist can treat most oral health concerns, there are specific situations where an oral surgeon's expertise is needed. Some of these scenarios include:

• Wisdom teeth removal. An oral surgeon may need to remove an impacted or problematic wisdom tooth, which can cause pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth.
• Dental implants. For patients who need dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, an oral surgeon is typically responsible for surgically placing the implant into the jawbone.
• Corrective jaw surgery. An oral surgeon can surgically correct conditions like misaligned jaws, overbites, underbites, and facial deformities.
• Oral pathology. A biopsy can confirm the presence of tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities in the mouth or jaw. An oral surgeon can remove them.
• Facial trauma. Oral surgeons can treat facial injuries resulting from accidents and other traumatic events.

3. Are oral surgery procedures painful?

One of the most common concerns patients have about oral surgery is pain during or after the procedure. However, oral surgeons are trained to administer various anesthesia options, such as local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. These options depend on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's comfort level. With the appropriate use of anesthesia, patients can expect little to no discomfort during the procedure. In addition, post-operative pain can often be managed effectively with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

4. What is the recovery process like after oral surgery?

Recovery after oral surgery varies depending on the type of procedure. Generally, patients can expect swelling, discomfort, and potential limitations in their diet and activity right after surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, which may include rest, ice packs, prescribed medications, and dietary modifications. Most patients can typically return to normal activities within days or weeks of the procedure.

5. How do I prepare for oral surgery?

Before undergoing oral surgery, the patient will need to undergo a thorough consultation with an experienced oral surgeon. This appointment will include a discussion of the medical history, current medications, and any specific instructions for the day of the surgery. Depending on the procedure, the patient may need to fast for a certain period before surgery. It is also important to arrange transportation after the surgery, particularly for patients who are given anesthesia or sedation during the procedure.