What Is an Oral Surgeon?

Where do you go when you have problems with your teeth? The majority of people have been trained to go to their dentists. However, what happens when your dentist is unable to help you? While it might seem like you’re out of luck, the answer is probably as simple as going to your Central Arkansas oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons handle all of the surgeries that dentists can’t perform in their offices. While it’s true that many dentists do simple surgeries, they aren’t equipped to perform complex surgeries. Let’s take a few minutes to discuss what oral surgeons are, the types of surgeries they perform and what to expect when you visit one.

What Does an Oral Surgeon Actually Do?

Trying to explain what oral surgeons do is hard because they actually perform a wide array of surgeries. That being said, the basic way to describe oral surgeons is as dental professionals who take on surgeries that general dentists can’t perform. Typically this involves surgeries of the face, jaw or mouth.

Oral surgeons go to school for longer than general dentists. After completing general dentistry, they take surgical residencies, which is where they learn how to undertake complex surgeries.

The great news is that if you need an oral surgeon, you have come to the right place. Our oral surgeon can provide the surgery that you need to start feeling like yourself again. Reach out to us to arrange an oral surgeon consultation in Central Arkansas.

A Closer Look at the Surgeries That Oral Surgeons Can Do

It’s impossible to list all of the surgeries that oral surgeons can perform. It would be a long list. While it’s true that general dentists can perform basic surgeries, such as tooth removal, more complex surgeries all need to be done by oral surgeons.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Sometimes, a wisdom tooth can be taken out by a general dentist. However, there are times when it will have to be removed by an oral surgeon. This might happen if the wisdom tooth is too crowded or impacted, which means that it failed to break through the gums. This can cause a lot of pain and pressure.

Some people are able to live with their wisdom teeth just fine or never have them. However, others simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for extra teeth. When this happens, it can cause overcrowding and make your teeth more difficult to clean. This increases your chances of developing tooth decay. In fact, it’s why some people have their wisdom teeth removed even if they aren’t necessarily causing a problem at the time.

Treating Sleep Apnea

For those who don’t know, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause breathing problems while you sleep. If you leave it untreated, it can become dangerous. It is estimated that nearly 22 million people in the United States alone suffer from sleep apnea. On top of that, this sleeping disorder claims the lives of nearly 38,000 people every year.

Thankfully, it’s a problem that you can get help with by visiting a Central Arkansas oral surgeon. With a simple surgery, the oral surgeon can remove some of the extra tissue from the back of your throat. This clears the airway when you’re sleeping, making it easier to breathe.

Complex Surgeries Involving Your Jaw

Another common problem that oral surgeons deal with is surgeries involving the jaw. There are many reasons why you might have to have your jaw worked on. For example, some people have problems with the alignment. This can cause pain from chewing or simply talking. Visiting an oral surgeon can remedy this problem.

Other times, people have been involved in accidents that have left their jaws broken or dislocated. Oral surgeons can reset their jaws, and visiting them is the best way to ensure that the resets are done correctly.

Cancer or Tumors in the Mouth or Throat

If you have cancer or tumors in your mouth or throat, your dentist will send you to an oral surgeon. Your oral surgeon will be able to safely remove them from your body. If your surgeon removes cancer, you may still have to undergo cancer treatment to ensure that it doesn’t spread to other areas of your body.

This is just a small list of the surgeries that an oral surgeon can perform. If you think that you are in need of an oral surgeon, give us a call. Our friendly staff members will assist you in the best way that they can.

What Should People Expect When They See an Oral Surgeon?

One reason why people don’t like going to see oral surgeons is because they don’t know what to expect. However, if your dentist recommends that you visit an oral surgeon, you should probably go. The good news is that going to see an oral surgeon isn’t a scary affair.

The first time that you see the surgeon, it will be nothing more than a consultation. During this visit, the surgeon will do an exam of your mouth and come up with a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

From there, the staff will set up another appointment for you to come back. That’s when you will have your surgery. In the meantime, you’ll have a set list of rules that you should follow before returning for the procedure. This typically involves making sure that you have a ride home after the surgery and limiting what you can eat or drink beforehand.

We Are Here for You If You Need Oral Surgery

Do you or a loved one need oral surgery and live in Central Arkansas? If so, reach out to us right away. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of oral surgeries for people who need them. Don’t wait to call our friendly staff today so that we can set up a consultation for you.