Oral surgery in Clearwater
You don’t have to understand what all these terms mean; most people just say dental surgery. If you’re seeking dental surgery nearby, please contact our office to arrange a consultation with our oral surgeon.
What is Oral Surgery?
It is a term for any surgical procedure done inside the mouth, to the jaws, or to the lower part of the face. Most oral surgeons perform oral and maxillofacial surgery, with maxillofacial meaning the face, usually the lower part of the face. There is also orthognathic surgery, which is a form of jaw surgery to correct misalignments.
How Common are Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common procedures oral surgeons perform. The reason is that many young adults have trouble with their third molars, not having enough room to emerge. Our ancestors had wisdom teeth to help them eat a mainly raw diet. Today, we no longer need the extra molars and our jaws have gotten smaller.
Oral surgeons will remove wisdom teeth if they are:
- Trapped inside the gum and cannot emerge because there isn't enough room
- Growing in at an angle and can only partially emerge
- Growing in and pushing against the second molars, causing pain.
If your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal, please contact us to set up a consultation. We have sedation options to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Your wisdom teeth removal cost will vary depending on how difficult the extraction is and the type of sedation used.
What Are Surgical Tooth Extractions?
Sometimes, badly damaged or diseased teeth cannot be saved. If the tooth is broken at the gumline or too fragile for a dentist to extract it, an oral surgeon can perform a surgical extraction. This typically involves making an incision in the gum to remove the tooth. Your tooth extraction cost will depend on which tooth you are having removed and its condition.
What Surgeries Are Common Before Orthodontic Treatment?
Having several teeth extracted before getting braces is common if overcrowding is an issue. The teeth will need room to move into alignment. You may also receive a referral for oral maxillofacial surgery for jaw misalignment issues.
What Surgeries May I Need Before Getting Prosthetics?
Prosthetics are artificial teeth, such as dentures. You may need teeth removed, so you can get a full denture. It's possible your jawbone may have deteriorated, and it will be necessary to build it back up so the denture will fit properly.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. The implant is a screw or post that is inserted into the bone to act as a tooth root. Once the implant fuses to the bone, a crown is placed on it. Placing the implants in the bone is usually done by an oral surgeon, as oral surgeons have extensive training in the procedure. Your cost of implant placement depends on the implant material and the number of implants placed.
Where Can I Get an Oral Cancer Diagnosis?
Dental professionals urge their patients to have regular oral cancer screenings. You should also visit a dental professional if you note anything abnormal in your mouth, like a sore that has not healed in two weeks, white patches of tissue, or lumps. An early diagnosis will greatly improve your prognosis.
What Does Oral Cancer Treatment Entail?
You will receive a custom treatment plan depending on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your preferences. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and medications. Most people have a multidisciplinary team of medical and dental professionals, including oral surgeons, if maxillofacial surgery is necessary to repair any damage late stage cancer may cause.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for your temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth. People who have trouble with the joint called it TMJ, but it is actually TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. Symptoms of TMD include pain, clicking sounds when you open or close your jaw, and limited jaw function.
Dentists start out with conservative treatments, like anti-inflammatory drugs, moist heat, and a temporary soft diet. If these traditional treatments do not work after giving them time, jaw surgery may be recommended.
Where Can I Get a Consultation with an Oral Surgeon?
Contact our office if you've been asking, "Where can I get a consultation for dental surgery near me?" We strive to offer excellent oral surgery in Clearwater services,
