Who Performs Oral Surgery?
Oral Surgeons, also known as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, are qualified dentists who have completed an additional 4-6 years of surgical residencies. Their advanced education and training includes anesthesiology and the diagnosis and surgical treatment of defects, injuries, and diseases of the mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, gums, and other soft tissues of the head.
Why Would My Dentist Refer Me to an Oral Surgeon?
Your Dentist may recommend that you or your child see an Oral Surgeon when:
- A tooth is impacted
- A lesion, tumor or other tissue of the mouth or jaw requires biopsy or removal
- If oral cancer is suspected
- A dental implant is required to replace a missing tooth or support a bridge
- One or more teeth must be removed
- A tooth breaks off at the gum line and it (or its root fragments) must be removed
- Corrective surgery to soft tissues or bones in the maxillofacial region is needed
- Diagnosis and treatment of infections in the maxillofacial region are needed
- Facial pain exists, including pain suspected from TMJ
- Obstructive sleep apnea is suspected
