Oral surgeons are highly sought after for both elective and emergency treatments. However, even though many individuals still find the thought of surgery to be unpleasant, its efficacy is not disputed. These days, oral procedures are simpler and less invasive thanks to recent developments in dental technology and methods.
Top 5 Reasons Why a Dentist Would Recommend Oral Surgery
Is your dental surgeon suggesting that you need oral surgery because your jaw is too tiny, your sleep apnea makes you tired throughout the day, or your TMJ hurts? There are several situations in which a dentist could suggest oral surgery. A surgical consult may be necessary, at least for the following situations.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The removal of wisdom teeth is now commonly considered a necessary part of growing up. Sometimes in their late teenage years, many people have their wisdom teeth removed (usually between 18 and 24).
Our larger-than-average molars date to when human jaws and mouths were considerably larger. Now because our jaws are thinner than they once were, we can’t grow as many teeth as our biology dictates.
Even though you might wish to get rid of these molars immediately, it’s not a good idea until the jaw has finished growing and all permanent teeth have come in. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are unable to erupt into the mouth. It may be essential to undergo oral surgery to have them surgically extracted from below the gum line to preserve the health of the remaining teeth.
Oral Cancer
Some cancerous or potentially cancerous tumors in the mouth or throat are almost hard to see. Visiting a general dentist for cleaning may be the first time a patient discovers they have mouth cancer or a lesion that may be malignant. These tumors can, thankfully, be surgically removed.
Temporomandibular Joint Pain
Pain in the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can have several causes, including arthritis, teeth grinding, or jaw problems. Extreme instances of TMJ discomfort that do not respond to conservative, first therapies may be candidates for oral surgery.
After years of trying different treatments without success, these people frequently feel better after undergoing oral surgery. You can click here to get more info on how dental cleaning works.
Sleep Apnea
Many people are surprised to learn that oral surgery is a common method of treating severe cases of sleep apnea. Common treatments for these patients include CPAP machines and medication; however, even these options are insufficient for some. A structural issue contributing to apnea might be corrected with oral surgery.
Some doctors will recommend oral surgery to treat sleep apnea if a patient has an enlarged uvula or tonsils that get in the way of breathing at night. A surgeon may implant a corrective rod in the soft palate to avoid breathing difficulties or shift the tongue forward.
Jaw Problems
Oral surgery may be required if you were born with a painfully protruding or otherwise malformed jaw. Deformities of the jaw can lead to an uneven bite, or the jaw may be too prominent or too receded. You can check out the Massanutten Dental Team and Oral Surgery website to gain more info about oral care.
To End
You can’t just get work done by an oral surgeon. Seeking professional medical advice about your problem is a good starting step. Sometimes people need to see a dentist because they are experiencing discomfort or problems with their teeth’ normal functioning.
The oral surgeon can inspect your mouth during your scheduled session and establish a diagnosis. Once the issue is identified, the appropriate therapy may be decided upon, ranging from observation and less invasive oral surgery to more complex procedures.