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Your condition may be one of the conditions/procedures oral surgeons are skilled in. In that case, you need to inquire about these procedures, and see how an oral surgeon can help you get treatment.

1. Impacted Teeth Removal

When a deceased and impacted tooth can no longer be saved, an oral surgeon recommends complete removal to prevent infection. If not extracted, gum tissue is prone to infection since it cannot completely heal due to the impacted tooth.

2. Administration of Anesthetics

Oral surgeons in Washington DC are allowed to administer in-office anesthetics, but these are limited to general anesthesia and intravenous sedation (IV). Nevertheless, the aid of an anesthesiologist may be needed for really complex and risky procedures, especially when the patient has an allergy with anesthetics.

3. Dental Implant Surgery

An oral surgeon performs the actual implantation, and the bone grafting before it. However, the entire treatment plan for a patient who is getting dental implants is usually created in collaboration with other dentists, such as a restorative dentist, and a general dentist who usually does the referral.

4. Surgical Repair of Facial Trauma

Both minor and major repairs of damaged skin, tissue, nerves and bone in the face are performed by oral surgeons. They may collaborate with restorative or cosmetic dentists, but the treatment plan usually comes from them. Facial lacerations and other complex injuries commonly caused by accidents are also repaired by them.

5. Pathologic Condition Evaluation

Pathologic conditions refer to cysts and tumors, both benign and malignant (cancerous), in the mouth, face, and neck, as well as infections in salivary glands. Oral surgeons usually order the diagnostic tests, and finalize the diagnosis in coordination with certified pathologists. Having said that, many oral surgeons are also certified pathologists.

6. Facial Pain Disorder Treatment

Oral surgeons normally order the diagnostic tests to determine the causes of facial pains. When surgery is not needed, they refer their patients to other medical experts for medications, and to therapists for physical therapy, especially after nerve reconnection.

7. Reconstructive Surgery

A reconstructive surgery is usually done alongside a reconstructive dentist if the area of concern is the mouth. It is called "reconstructive" because the patient has acquired damage either due to a disease or accident.

8. Cosmetic Surgery

It is essentially the same as with reconstructive surgery. The only difference is that an oral surgeon can perform the needed surgery even if the patient does not have any apparent damage. Usually, this procedure is done for enhancement and other aesthetic reasons.

9. Corrective Jaw Surgery

This procedure called orthognathic surgery is performed to correct irregularities in the bone structure. It is an essential treatment to improve a personâs speech, ability to chew and breathing. Malocclusion or improper bite is also treated this way.

10. Surgical Procedure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

When medical appliancea and therapy does not work on a patient, surgical treatment becomes essential to treat OSA. This is required as soon as possible when a patient is diagnosed to have severe sleep apnea through a polysomnography.

The American Dental Association has made it clear that personalized oral care is necessary to ensure optimal dental health. Based on findings from a recent study however, the group has emphasized the need for people to work hand-in-hand with their dentists, and that it is the dentist who must tailor the frequency of patient visits.

Guided by client dental history and individual current needs, dentists in Columbia, MD will recommend a schedule of dental visits in order to accomplish patient dental goals. Even patients with a low risk for dental disease should at least undergo a professional dental cleaning at least once in a year.

Professional Dental Cleaning

The purpose of teeth cleaning is to prevent the development of dental diseases. The procedure is also called prophylaxis, and its immediate goal is to remove tartar. Once mineral deposits accumulate, they form tartar, which then develops into unpleasant-looking plaque. Plaque can appear in different colors with brownish, blackish and/or whitish shades.

If you look closely in the mirror, you might be able to see evidence of tartar and plaque buildup. You might be tempted to try to remove the tartar yourself, but don not try to do so. You will not be able thoroughly access all areas in your mouth, and the possibility of damaging surrounding tissue is not worth the risk. This is why you need to have regular dental cleanings with a dentist. Dentists are trained in thoroughly removing dental plaque and tartar without damaging any surrounding tissue. They also have the proper tools for the best removal, and they are able to see and reach all the areas that need to be cleaned.

After the Dental Cleaning

After the procedure, you will notice a big difference with how the inside of your mouth feels. Touch your teeth and gums with your tongue, and you will feel the difference. The professional dental cleaning will have removed tartar, plaque, oily residues from foods, and even the impurities contained in certain foods, beverages, and cigarettes.

Tooth polishing will also be a part of your professional dental cleaning conducted by your dentist. The process helps remove stains the occur from coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and beverages. Most dentists will also employ a solution that can be used to find areas that were missed during the dental cleaning and polishing process. This way, your dentist can make sure they do a thorough job for you.

When Should You Have Your Next Dental Cleaning?

Ask your dentist, what they recommend, and use that as your guideline. If your teeth and gums ever feel like they have lost the clean feeling, you can always make a dental cleaning appointment sooner than scheduled. Some people get dental cleanings more frequently than twice a year. Although rare, there are even instances of people who get a dental cleaning every month. It is not necessary, but it definitely will prevent the development of a dental disease.