Oral Surgeon
Oral surgeons specialize in the region of the mouth, treating injuries, conditions and diseases in the mouth, head, neck, face, jaws and skull. Some oral surgery specialties include difficult wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, orthognathic surgery, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, and trauma. An oral surgeon will also deal with cysts and tumors.
5 Things You Need to Know
- Oral surgeons first train as dentists.
- Correcting birth defects and facial deformities such as cleft deformities and craniofacial abnormalities are common oral surgeries.
- A certified oral surgeon must have knowledge and training in the technicalities of oral surgery, as well as anesthesia, patient relations and pathology.
- Cosmetic oral surgery is quickly becoming one of the most sought after specialties.
- Oral surgeons may work out of private offices, dentist offices, or hospitals and emergency rooms.
3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Oral Surgeon
- Am I a good candidate for oral surgery? Some procedures, particularly cosmetic oral surgeries, require a certain level of oral health and bone structure, so you want to be sure that the surgery will be successful in your situation.
- Do you have any examples of your work? Oral surgery typically results in a marked physical change, so surgeons should be able to provide you with photos of their previous patients.
- What will the recovery experience be like? While each patient is different, your oral surgeon should be able to provide you with some common recovery symptoms that relate to your condition.
Also Known As: Dentist, dental surgeon, orthognathic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon
Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.
Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.