Visiting your general dentist twice per year helps you maintain a healthy smile through regular examinations and cleanings. However, there are certain situations where you may require more specialized care for extractions, dental implants, or structural issues. Understanding the difference between various oral health specialties can help you select the right provider for your needs.
How Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Stand Apart
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have undergone extensive training enabling them to perform more complex procedures affecting the mouth, jaw, and face. They have intricate knowledge of the anatomy of the face. They understand how all of the anatomical elements work together to optimize functionality and aesthetics during oral surgery and minimize potential complications. These are a few of the procedures they provide:
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: Teeth that are impacted or have developed deep, strong roots can be more difficult to remove. Oral surgeons can carefully extract these teeth using more advanced procedures to improve outcomes.
- Dental Implant Placement: Dental implants must be precisely inserted to promote fusion with the jawbone, support dental prosthetics, and maintain aesthetics. An oral surgeon not only ensures implants are in the correct spot, but they can also perform bone grafting, sinus lifts, and other procedures at the same time.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery: When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, it can affect eating, breathing, aesthetics, and overall comfort. Oral surgeons can safely and effectively shift the jaw into proper alignment, improving function and symmetry.
- Facial Trauma Reconstruction: If the jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets are fractured, this can create health complications and affect your appearance. Precise facial and oral surgery can ensure the bones are set correctly to promote healing and maintain function. Oral surgeons often have hospital privileges as well.
Another benefit of working with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is that they are trained in administering a wide range of anesthesia, from nitrous oxide to IV sedation to general anesthesia. This allows them to keep you as comfortable as possible during oral surgery. Other oral health specialists may not have the proper licenses to offer all of these options.
Treating More Complex Conditions with Oral Surgery
Different specialists focus on varied facets of oral health, each playing an important role. At Premier Center for Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery, Dr. Garibyan and Dr. Kuang provide a wide array of services, from tooth extractions and dental implant placement to more complex surgical reconstructions involving the jaw, all while keeping the holistic structural health of your smile in mind.
