Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is used to treat a wide variety of diseases, defects and injuries that affect the face, neck, mouth, teeth, gums and jaws (often referred to as the maxillofacial region).

Oral surgeons (also known as maxillofacial surgeons) are most often certified dentists who have received additional surgical training. This usually entails several years of advanced education following graduation from dental school.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Oral surgery can be used to treat the following problems: damage to or loss of teeth, cramped teeth, improperly-aligned jaws, temporo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ), hypondontia, oligodontia, cleft lip and palate, cysts and oral cancer. Tooth extraction (including wisdom teeth) is the most common type of oral surgery.
  2. Eating can be difficult in the days following oral surgery. Most doctors recommend you have meal replacement beverages on hand.
  3. Smoking can cause complications following oral surgery. If you smoke during the recovery period, you are likely to feel more pain and will take longer to heal. It’s a good idea to avoid smoking for at least four days following your surgery.
  4. Even though oral surgery is generally low-risk (especially when compared to other types of surgery, such as spinal surgery), many Americans are afraid of getting into a dentist’s chair. Because of this, oral surgeons are trained to provide their patients with the maximum level of comfort.
  5. Oral surgery is a growing field in the medical world. More and more professionals whose first degree was in medicine (rather than dentistry) are entering the field.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?
  2. For how long will I need to take painkillers following my surgery?
  3. How soon after my surgery can I return to a normal diet?

Also Known As: Dental surgery, maxillofacial surgery

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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.