Your body, especially your mouth, has germs that are harmless like other parts of the body. However, some of these bacteria can spread disease as your mouth enters your respiratory and digestive systems.
The body’s natural defense system keeps in check the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria may build up with bad hygiene habits and can cause oral infections, including gum disease and tooth decay.
What is the Role of an Oral Surgeon in Your Overall Health and Wellness
An oral surgeon, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a dental specialist who performs specialized treatments such as tooth extractions, dental implant surgery, corrective jaw surgery, and anesthesia care to protect the health of the mouth, jaw, face, and related structures. If you are dealing with oral pain, impacted teeth, jaw problems, or another condition that may need specialized dental care, understanding this role can help you know when treatment goes beyond general dentistry and why oral health affects your overall wellness.
In addition to providing dental care, a dentist, especially a general dentist, often helps identify concerns that need specialty treatment, and a healthcare provider may refer patients to an oral surgeon when oral and maxillofacial care is needed for conditions outside the scope of general dentistry and a consultation on the right next steps. They must acknowledge and emphasize their contributions to mental health as oral surgeons.
Specialized Treatment
Oral surgeons treat more than extractions, and their common procedures range from dental surgery for damaged teeth to more complex surgical procedures involving the jaw and facial structures. Oral surgeons are dental specialists who complete dental school, earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Medicine degree, and then train through a hospital based residency program that typically lasts four to six years, with some completing a six year surgical residency. This extensive training and advanced training includes internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesia, oral pathology, and complex surgical procedures so they can treat patients, manage complex cases, and provide specialty treatments, including dental implant surgery, corrective jaw surgery, and manage anesthesia. Modern oral surgery also includes sedation options, including sedation and IV sedation, to reduce anxiety during procedures.
Provide Guidance
Oral surgeons are dental health practitioners. Their duties include instructing and counseling patients on oral health issues, they provide restorative and preventative care, and managing several oral disorders affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth as a whole, including helping patients follow tips to keep your jaw healthy as you age.
Detailed Examinations
The general responsibilities of an oral surgeon also include performing examinations. They conduct an in-depth analysis of the head, neck, and soft and hard tissues of the mouth, taking radiographs, diagnosing dental disease, developing treatment plans, coordinating with specialists, maintaining clinical records, and often participating in the operation procedure, which is especially important when evaluating whether wisdom teeth really need to be removed.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology is a specialty of oral surgeons that is useful in diagnosing various oral disorders. They help with the diagnosis and choose the best course of action. They might perform a biopsy on affected tissues or review X-rays and other imaging for a detailed analysis as part of their broader range of oral and maxillofacial procedures.
How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?
You can protect your health by practicing good oral hygiene. The following are the best oral health practices:
- Spend two minutes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush at least twice daily.
- Always floss and after brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to remove food particles in your mouth.
- Eat healthy food and avoid sugary food and beverages.
- Replace your toothbrush after every three to four months and visit your oral surgeon in St. George, UT, for cleanings and checkups.
- Avoid using tobacco.
Importance of Oral Health for Maintaining a Positive Lifestyle
You should maintain proper dental hygiene to live a healthy, happy life. You’ll feel confident and empowered when you take control of your health. Preventative care can help you save time, money, and stress, just like it does with any medical procedure, especially when you choose an experienced oral surgeon in St. George, Utah.
Restore your beautiful smile and discuss your concerns with our experts at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, where you can learn more about our team and practice and schedule care at our Mesquite, NV oral surgery office or arrange wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT.