When To Visit An Oral Surgeon
When to visit an oral surgeon
It seems to happen to most people at one time or another, they get a toothache that sticks around for weeks. Eventually, you give up hoping that it’ll go away, and decide that the pain is bad enough that you need to do something about it.
Maybe your jaw itself has just been sore for a while, and you’re wondering if there’s something wrong that may be a sign of something more serious. Maybe you just lost a tooth recently.
Should you call your dentist? What about an oral surgeon? How do you know who to call, and when?
Dentist First
If you have any issues with teeth, gums, and even your jaws, you will need to go see a dentist, even if the pain is only in the general mouth area of the face. Even in an emergency, shoot for a dentist even if it’s not necessarily your dentist.
If you go to an urgent care center or even the ER, the best you are going to get is maybe some pain medication and being told to see a dentist. On top of this, a general medical environment like the ER will probably cost you 3 or 4 times what the procedure would cost with a dentist.
The point is, your dentist can handle most issues that you are going to be at risk of having. They will be able to diagnose and handle most oral problems. However, if they feel that you will be best served by an oral surgeon, they will be able to recommend one or get you a referral in some situations.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Sometimes, your dentist will recommend you speak with a maxillofacial surgeon. They specialize in dentistry that affects the face and jaws, often to treat diseases or injuries of the areas around the mouth.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have training and schooling beyond what is required to successfully practice dentistry. Many of the best oral and maxillofacial surgeons also obtain an MD along with the diploma needed to become oral surgeons. This includes putting in a minimum of 4 years of training in a surgical residency program, side by side with other medical students of varying specialties.
Common Areas Of Oral & Maxillofacial Sugery
Impacted Teeth
Very common with wisdom teeth, but known to happen elsewhere as well. This is where the teeth become crowded and painful.
Dental Implants
If you need to have dental implants created and installed, you will have a titanium implant put into your jaw bone, then a crown is attached. These are quite common.
Cancer Treatment
Not just cancers of the mouth, either. Oral surgeons can assist in the treatment of cancers of the head, neck, sinuses, throat, larynx, and even salivary glands.
Oral Surgeons In St. George, Utah
If you are looking for an oral surgeon in the St. George area, reach out to one of the leaders in facial surgery, the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, or call at (435) 383-5392.
