Skip to content

10 Conditions/procedures Oral Surgeons Are Skilled In

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.

What Is Professional Tooth Cleaning?

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.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving oneâs teeth and mouth for a better appearance and smile. The procedures/services done are elective, or desired by the client.

Restorative procedures such as dental fillings are also done in cosmetic dentistry. It falls under the cosmetic dentistry category since you can choose the type of material to be used for the filling. Today, a lot of people choose to replace their old dental fillings with porcelain to enhance the appearance of their teeth.

Cosmetic Treatments Offered

1. Teeth Whitening: When a person regularly smokes, eats too much sweets, and practices poor oral hygiene, their teeth become stained and discolored. Tooth whitening removes the debris and dirt on the teeth and restores its natural color.

2. Dental Implants: It is an artificial tooth root replacement to compensate for tooth loss. It is done not only to enhance your smile but also to give you a younger look. Missing teeth can make your face collapse, giving you an older appearance.

3. Composite Bonding: A dental composite material is used to repair a discolored, chipped, broken, or decayed tooth. The composite material is applied on the toothâs surface, sculpted and contoured into shape, and hardened using a high-intensity light. The restored tooth will blend naturally with the rest of your teeth, creating a perfect, bright smile.

4. Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, since they are created in the laboratory using porcelain or other composite materials before being fitted and bonded in place with an adhesive. Inlays/Onlays are often used as an alternative to dental fillings and full coverage dental crowns as they offer better fit, better strength, and a longer-lasting solution to tooth decay or similar damage.

5. Dental Veneers: Use composite or porcelain laminates that are bonded using an adhesive to the surface of the tooth to repair cracks, chips and severely discolored teeth that cannot be restored with tooth whitening. Dental veneers also used to remove gaps between teeth, and even out spaces in between them, improving the appearance of your teeth and your smile.

6. Full Mouth Reconstruction: This procedure may involve a number of dental specialists such as a periodontist (for gums), restorative/general dentist (for veneers, bridges, and crowns), oral surgeon (dental surgery), orthodontist (positions of the teeth) and an endodontist (tooth pulp). This procedure is often done for teeth lost because of trauma, decay, injury, fracture, severe wear due to acid erosion, occlusion, or bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth).

The procedure a cosmetic dentist in Sterling, VA will perform on your teeth depends on the condition of your teeth, and on what you hope to achieve. Cosmetic dentists aim to restore your teeth to give you a healthier mouth and better appearance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dentist

Regardless of how attentive we are regarding dental health, the majority of us will likely need the assistances of a dentist at some time. Ascertaining whether or not a regular dentist or a specialist is most suitable for you might appear to be a bit intimidating, but there are many strategies to help make that decision. Ultimately, however, it really is an individual preference. Many individuals desire to go to a local dental professional due to convenience of specific locations or for the positive aspect of having the whole family visit the same site for services. Thus, you will want to consider a few factors when choosing a dentist:



Just what kind of solutions do I need? Does he/she offer these? Standard cleanings and checkups, in addition to fillings, extractions and root canals can commonly be attended to by a standard dental expert, though today quite a few do deliver services formerly dealt with solely by specialists.

Am I searching for a place near to my home or workplace or am I ready to travel a distance for my checkups if I discover a professional I truly like?

Just what have other individuals expressed regarding the dentist? Looking at their website and a number of online rating sites can certainly supply relevant information specifically from patients. You are going to discover that the majority of people are open and straightforward in their evaluations. Remember, though, that a single bad review does not annul dozens of favorable ones.

What dental practitioner or specialist do my friends or family visit? Do they like him/her? Will they endorse them? Are their professional services priced fairly?

Do these dentists in Colorado Springs take my insurance coverage? Would they submit my claims for me?

Precisely what portion of the costs of services does my insurance company pay for? Is there a lifetime or annual sum they will provide? May I make monthly payments on my part of the expense?

It is a smart idea to carry out a bit of research before you select a dentist. Currently there are so many options for oral care providers that you can easily hand pick which you want depending on your particular criteria. You may also want to visit the facilities of the "shortlist" you have assembled. This doesn't require a lot of time and might be a beneficial tool for helping to make your choice. The friendliness of the staff, the overall tone of the office and other considerations you have identified will likely influence your decision. Some people will not require this extra step, for many it is a necessary element of deciding who will provide your dental care.

This is only a brief list of some things to consider before you visit, you may add other ideas based on your dental problems or your personal preferences. In certain cases you may need the professional services of a specialist, but it often calls for the referral of your regular dentist.

Dental Implants The Preferred Choice For Missing Teeth

Receiving dental implants has truly become a viable option today for missing teeth. They are being opted for rather than dentures due to their sturdiness (they don't move in your mouth) and the enhancement of eating, which is commonly tough with dentures. They additionally appear more similar to natural teeth, presenting a much more stunning smile.

The initial stage of the procedure entails setting or "burying" the dental implant to take the place of the natural root of the tooth or teeth. The implant procedure is commonly accomplished with about two visitations to the dentist. It is generally completed right in the dental practitioner's office. A local anesthetic is sufficient, but other sedation may be offered to nervous or anxious patients.

There will have to be a recovery time after the implant is inserted that typically will need three to six months whilst the bone literally grows around the implant. Sometimes, a transitory crown might be placed. That will certainly be considered and a decision made between the patient and doctor. This non-permanent crown does help in chewing and presents a more appealing external appearance, and is frequently the preferred choice, especially from the patients point of view.

In the course of the second phase, the dental professional will check to make sure that the implant procedure succeeded. Now he will attach a post, or "abutment" and a temporary crown to the implant. The post is crafted from titanium, rendering it remarkably sturdy and ideal for the long run. An additional four to six weeks is generally adequate prior to the concluding stage. Next an impression of the tooth or teeth to be replaced will be taken. The fixed crown will be developed from this impression.

In the last stage the permanent crown will be positioned using either cement or screws. Both of these approaches have their benefits. Some dentists in Colorado Springs have a preference for one or the other, but this too can be discussed with the patient. Those inserted utilizing cement typically look much better, but crowns which are held in position with a screw can make it easier for a dentist to take it out if the necessity develops to get to tissue around the implant or the implant itself.

Caring for implants is no different from that necessitated for natural tooth care. Should any complications occur, get in touch with the dental practitioner prior to the six-month follow-up. X-rays will be able to show the whole implant, making it possible for the dentist to identify whether or not there are any problems. Dental implant surgery seldom fails, though there have actually been infrequent instances of that occurring due to grinding or clenching of teeth, so be mindful of that. Because of their stability, ease of the procedure and the enhancement of the smile, dental implants have become the preferred choice of patients today.