What Types Of Procedures Does An Oral Surgeon Perform?

After graduating from dental school, an oral surgeon pursues a surgical residency that takes anywhere from four to six years. During their training, the future oral surgeon gains in-depth knowledge on the anatomy, function and pathology of the oral cavity and lower face. Because the residency takes place in a hospital setting, the oral surgeon acquires practical surgical experience that includes anesthesiology and IV sedation.

Going by this description, it is easy to imagine that your referral to an oral surgeon is overkill. After all, you know for a fact that your dentist performs certain surgical procedures right there at their practice. So what is it that an oral surgeon does that a dentist cannot? Also, is there an overlap in the types of procedures that both general dentists and oral surgeons perform?

An oral surgeon performs common dental procedures, with a twist

At a glance, there seems to be an overlap in the kinds of procedures that dentists and oral surgeons perform. Take tooth extraction as an example. A general dentist performs tooth extractions all the time. They even pull out wisdom teeth.

However, some patients suffer from complex issues like impacted wisdom teeth. An oral surgeon is a patient’s best bet if their impacted wisdom tooth is stuck inside the jawbone.

The same goes for root canals. A general dentist can deliver a good outcome if the patient’s tooth roots have simple anatomy. However, an endodontist or oral surgeon has to step in for complex cases or failed root canal treatment.

Other kinds of procedures that oral surgeons perform

The scope of an oral surgeon ranges from the seemingly simple to complicated procedures that target both the inside and the outside of the mouth. For example:

1. Dental implant surgery and associated procedures

Dental implant surgery involves embedding small, biocompatible rods in the jawbone. These rods take up the roles of a tooth root. They anchor dental restorations (like crowns, bridges, and dentures) in place. Sometimes a dentist will prepare the jaw for dental implants with the following procedures:

• Bone graft surgery to add to the mass and density of the jaw
• Sinus lift to add bone mass to the back of the upper jaw
• Nerve repositioning, a procedure that the oral surgeon will incorporate into bone graft surgery

2. Corrective jaw surgery

Oral dentists are in a good position to repair the jaw after trauma to the mouth. They also perform surgical procedures to reshape a misaligned or malformed jaw. This particular set of procedures forms part of orthodontic treatment plans.

3. Reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity and lower face

Injury, illness or a congenital condition can cause deformity and loss of function in the structures of the mouth and lower face. An oral surgeon often performs procedures that repair affected muscle, cartilage, connective tissue or bone. From cleft lip repair to jaw expansion surgery, the right oral and maxillofacial surgeon will get it done with good results.

Call us to get the help that you need

If you need an oral surgeon, we have just the person. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon has the experience and skill level to take you through treatment and to a great long-term outcome. Get in touch with us and find out everything you need to know about your upcoming procedure.

Request an appointment here: https://stratford.premieroralsurgeryct.com or call Premier Oral Surgery & Implantology Center at (203) 760-0190 for an appointment in our Stratford office.

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