Why Did My Dentist Refer Me to an Oral Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who provides a number of oral health treatments, many of which are surgical in nature. Your dentist might have referred you to an oral surgeon for dental implant placement, wisdom teeth extractions, oral pathology, or jaw surgery.

While dentists are trained to perform many types of procedures, sometimes specialists are needed to deliver highly focused and complex care. A specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), has advanced education, training, and experience. They must also pass board examinations to work in their specialized field.

An OMS has access to advanced technology and equipment, too, that your dentist might not have. This is beneficial for diagnosing various types of diseases and developing custom treatment protocols that suit a patient’s unique anatomy and circumstances.

Why Should I Visit an OMS for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a structurally complete tooth replacement option. This means patients will not just replace the crowns of teeth but also their roots. Since the implant functions as the root of a tooth, it must be surgically placed into the jawbone. An OMS possesses the training and education to place dental implants as well as bone grafts in areas where the bone is sparse or thin.

Why Do Oral Surgeons Extract Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is a more complicated extraction process than other teeth. When wisdom teeth emerge, they tend to come in sideways because there isn’t enough room in the mouth for their upright eruption.

While other teeth can be removed with tools a dentist uses and without anesthesia, impacted wisdom teeth cannot. This procedure requires sedation and surgical instruments, both of which an OMS can provide.

What Other Types of Services Does an OMS Provide?

An OMS can provide an array of treatments. They perform complex procedures like jaw surgery and full-mouth rehabilitation. Oral surgeons can treat facial trauma, including injuries to delicate soft tissues and the outside of the face.

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