Seeing an oral surgeon often comes after your dentist sees significant issues. This dental care provider can help treat these problems. Preventing these dental issues comes with the visits as well. Knowing when you should see this provider can get you the necessary treatments that you need. Here are the signs you should see your oral surgeon.
Impacted teeth
This sign often applies to wisdom teeth. An oral surgeon will extract the wisdom teeth if there is infection and pain near the affected teeth. These often happen to impacted and partially impacted wisdom teeth. Pressure in the back of the mouth is enough reason to see an oral surgeon.
Loosening tooth
Treating this issue is necessary to prevent more dental issues from developing. The loosening teeth will likely fall out on its own. The oral surgeon will look at the supporting jawbone’s density. Doing so can help determine if the individual is a good candidate for dental restorations like implants. A healthy jawbone and good dental practices can make the patient a good fit for dental restorations.
Breathing or sleep issues
The dentist can help assess the patient for possible sleep apnea. Working with a sleep doctor can provide the patient with non-surgical treatments such as dental appliances or a CPAP device. Snoring is an indicator of sleep apnea. If the non-surgical treatments are not effective, seeing an oral surgeon will be the next step. There could be surgical solutions to get rid of breathing or sleep problems.
Jaw misalignment or pain
An oral surgeon can help with jaw misalignment or pain. An underbite or overbite may worsen if the teeth are crooked as well. The provider may recommend dental straightening treatments. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Relocating the jaw can balance the mouth. Setting an appointment with the oral surgeon can help spot simple to severe misalignment.
Oral infections
Swelling and pain in the face, jaws, or neck can be signs of an oral infection. They can motivate an individual to see an oral surgeon right away. The provider can spot the source of the problem. Treating it will get rid of the infection. This is possible by cutting into the soft tissue of the mouth and draining it. Dental extraction may be an option as well.
TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder
Headaches and facial pain may be signs of a TMD. This condition is a problem in the joint where the skull and lower jaw connect. Some patients can get relief from physical therapy and medications. Others need surgery on the joint so that the pain can go away.
Tooth loss
An oral surgeon can help restore missing teeth. An individual who loses at least one tooth can have dental restorations. Replacing lost teeth is important for one’s dental health and self-esteem. This can help the patient smile, speak, and eat better. The surgeon can offer many dental replacement options, such as dentures and dental implants. Following aftercare instructions can help the patient recover well and maintain the new smile for a long time.
Visiting with your oral surgeon can give you a second chance at having good dental health
Your general dentist can detect and treat simple dental problems. If there are more complicated issues, your dentist will refer you to an experienced oral surgeon. This dental care provider has more knowledge in dealing with these problems. Working with your oral surgeon can make the treatment results last for a long time.
Request an appointment or call Morris Oral Surgery & Implant Center at 973-400-5254 for an appointment in our Morris Plains office.
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