An oral surgeon is a specialist who performs dental surgeries in a wide range of areas. Oral surgery is treats defects in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Oral surgeons also treat abnormalities relating to the associated structures that may include the mouth, face as well as the skull. An oral surgeon looks after the functional as well as the aesthetic aspects. He is capable of giving certain regions of the mouth a makeover, thus transforming your face with wide array of cosmetic procedures.
How do oral surgeons differ from general dentists?
A general dentist has to finish a four-year degree course from dental school. Along with the four-year degree, an oral surgeon needs additional training for the specialization of surgical procedures. This training involves the most advanced and latest techniques used in correcting defects of the mouth, teeth and jaw. All oral surgeons have to graduate with a Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS), Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD), or a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) degree. Sometimes, they might also choose a one or two year extended training in order to concentrate on a specific area of oral surgery. This is referred to as a surgical residency. This residency helps the dentist gain valuable experience in various areas like plastic surgery, internal medicine and other related medical fields. There are a number of specializations available for oral surgeons. These include Microvascular reconstruction, craniofacial surgery, Cranio-maxillofacial trauma and cosmetic facial surgery. The oral surgeons, during the period of their training, gather a lot of knowledge as well as technical and surgical expertise. Since they are focused on a certain sector, they gain a comprehensive understanding of that particular area. Oral surgeons can, therefore, manage and treat all aspects teeth and jaw problems. The other regions of the face are also cured with surgery and the oral surgeons perform corrective surgeries on facial defects and other kinds of dental injuries too. They provide solutions to their patients that involve different kinds of reconstructive surgeries.
Why does a dentist refer someone to an oral surgeon?
A general dentist is not specialized to handle complicated surgical procedures. Patients suffering from a toothache or any kind of oral pain or problems first visit their family dentist. The dentist then examines the different regions of the mouth and if he observes abnormalities in the oral and maxillofacial regions, he will likely refer these cases to a specialist. The oral surgeons are trained to treat these regions. They also undergo extensive schooling and preparation to work with anesthesia and how to administer it safely. The different forms of anesthesia include general anesthesia, sedatives administered through the veins or nitrous oxide. A complete examination of the case-history is first analyzed and then a comprehensive reconstructive program is planned. This may involve a dental implant, jaw reconstruction, cleft lip or palate, different kinds of periodontal or facial infections and TMJ disorders. Your oral surgeon will be able to determine the proper surgery needed and the kind of anesthesia to be used. Oral surgeons may also treat tumors, cysts or any abnormal growths that need to be surgically removed.
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