Oral surgeons are some of the most highly educated medical professionals. In addition to completing dental school, they need to go through a years-long residency program to hone their skills. But what exactly do oral surgeons do with all their knowledge and experience? This blog post lists 10 examples of procedures that they commonly perform.
1. Tooth Extractions
While general dentists can perform non-surgical tooth extractions, some teeth are more difficult to remove. They might be stuck beneath the gumline, broken, or diseased. In such cases, an oral surgeon is often the most qualified person to remove those teeth. For example, oral surgeons often remove wisdom teeth.
2. Facial Trauma Restoration
Facial trauma can be challenging to treat. Fortunately, oral surgeons are able to perform a range of treatments that help to restore facial function and appearance. For example, they may help with rehabilitating the jaw after it has been badly damaged.
3. Dental Implant Placement
In order for dental implants to be successful, they should be inserted into the jawbone at the correct location, angle, and depth. Oral surgeons have the training, experience, and equipment necessary to accomplish this.
4. Corrective Jaw Surgery
A severely misaligned bite cannot always be corrected via orthodontic treatment alone. An oral surgeon may need to work with an orthodontist in order to help a patient’s bite and jaws work harmoniously.
5. Bone Grafts
In order for dental implants to succeed, they need to have an adequate base of support in the jawbone. In cases where the jaw is thin or weak, an oral surgeon may perform a graft to fortify it.
6. Frenectomies
A frenectomy is a minor surgery, usually performed on children and infants, that corrects a lip or tongue tie. In some cases, this procedure is also used to help adults who do not have full range of motion in their oral structures.
7. Orthognathic Surgery
Developmental abnormalities in the face and jaw can adversely affect oral function and aesthetics. An oral surgeon may perform orthognathic surgery to help correct these issues in children.
8. Correction of Cleft Lip and Palate
A cleft lip or palate can complicate the function of the oral structures and cause aesthetic problems. Oral surgeons may work alongside other specialists to correct these serious problems.
9. Treatment of Pathologic Conditions
Oral surgeons are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of maxillofacial diseases. For example, they may perform procedures to remove dangerous cysts and tumors, as well as perform reconstructive surgery afterward.
10. Cosmetic Procedures
Some oral surgeons choose to offer smile lifts, face lifts, and neck lifts. They may also provide injectable cosmetic treatments, such as BOTOX or dermal fillers
Meet the Practice
In our Katy/Cypress office, we offer a broad range of oral surgery services. The two doctors who take the lead here, Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard, have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they are eager to use. If you would like to learn more about what we do or request a consultation, get in touch with Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 832-353-1100.