There are many different types of dentists, including those who work in oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery. Both specialists work with patients who need more than just routine cleanings and fillings, including those who have suffered an injury to their mouth or face or are undergoing another type of oral surgery procedure (such as wisdom teeth removal) that require extra care and precision from an experienced surgeon. Here’s what an oral & maxillofacial surgeon does, how to find one, and how they can help you when you need it most.
What Is An Oral Surgeon?
It is important to find a dentist open Saturday near me if you want to see an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the mouth, jaws, teeth, face, head, and neck. Oral surgeons can fix many problems before they become major ones by extracting or providing implants for missing teeth.
They also perform reconstructive surgery on the gums or any other parts of the mouth that have been diseased. An orthodontist will work with an oral surgeon to provide these services because they can only offer cosmetic help when there is healthy gum tissue underneath their stitches. Orthodontists need to know where all of the teeth are so they can move them into the right position so that dental braces don’t pinch or hurt your cheeks or lips. But sometimes patients need surgery because their jawbone is growing incorrectly, so orthodontists must tell them about it beforehand. Orthodontists do not just do braces; they also make removable appliances like retainers and palatal expanders which allow your mouth muscles time to grow back after wisdom tooth removal.
Why Do You Need An Oral Surgeon?
What exactly is an oral surgeon? Oral surgeons are the experts in dealing with the mouth, jaw, tongue, cheeks, and face. They work to correct issues such as broken or misaligned teeth or other problems in these areas that affect your smile. If you need a dentist open Saturday near me or a dentist open Sunday near me then they can help you too!
How Can You Get Help From An Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon
For those of you looking for a dentist open Saturday near me, oral maxillofacial surgeons are just the type of professionals you’re looking for. These specialists are experts in the mouth and face and as such, they can diagnose and treat many dental conditions, such as wisdom teeth removal. They can also provide facial reconstructive surgeries. If you’re not sure about finding a doctor who performs this type of service, check with your general practitioner to see if they have any recommendations.
When Should You See An Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specially trained dentists who diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions that affect the bite or mouth. They work with patients on a case-by-case basis to determine the best treatment plan. They may offer these types of treatments in their office or recommend they seek out other specialists.
A patient should visit an orthodontist when one or more of the following occur:
– There are indications of an asymmetrical face.
– An impacted tooth is suspected in the roof of the mouth at any age.
– Improper chewing pattern is evident due to abnormal teeth movement when one side of the jaw is misaligned relative to the other side.
Chances Of Becoming An OMFS
Do you want to help people maintain their dental health, or do you want to work as a dentist? Either way, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have what it takes. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are mouth experts; they diagnose, treat, manage and prevent diseases of the mouth. Although these professionals don’t cure or remedy medical conditions outside of their expertise (like an orthopedic surgeon who fixes broken bones), they offer important services in areas that dentists often can’t provide alone.
Educational Path To Become An OMFS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)
To become an oral surgeon, a dental degree must be completed. They may then move on to complete a surgical residency, followed by a one-year internship in general surgery. After that, they must complete two years of internship in the specialty of maxillofacial surgery. Following these, they are eligible to sit for their Board Certification exams in both maxillofacial surgery and oral surgery. To keep their licenses current with the American Dental Association (ADA), they are required to attend at least 24 hours of continuing education courses each year.
Internship, Residency, Fellowships
A typical career in oral surgery would start with a four-year undergraduate program in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or zoology. Then the aspiring doctor must go to dental school for four years. Next is a dental internship for one year, which can be done before or after dental school. Then there are one to three years of general surgical training and three to four years of specialized surgical training. Finally, the surgeon can do an additional year of fellowship training (such as orthognathic surgery). In all, it takes ten years minimum from the beginning of an undergraduate student to finishing a fellowship.
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit An OMFS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)
For years, OMFSs have provided many services in the area of the mouth and face. Whether you are recovering from oral surgery or want to maintain your smile, an OMFS can help you. Here are 8 reasons why you should visit an OMFS.
1) Clearer Skin – One of the most common side effects of teeth grinding is that it irritates the skin, resulting in redness, bumps, pimples, or a rash on areas around your mouth or jawline. An OMFS will evaluate whether there is a way to help reduce these signs through adjustments in sleep habits or diet plans.
2) Oral Surgery Relief – Sometimes wisdom teeth extraction may become necessary due to overcrowding. Wisdom teeth extractions are usually performed by an OMFS as this type of procedure requires precision. Other types of oral surgery procedures include corrective jaw surgery, implants, tooth repair or replacement, and treatment for injuries to the jaw such as facial fractures.
3) Prevent Gum Disease – Research has shown that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults over 45 years old. Gum disease also increases your risk for other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. You can prevent gum disease by practicing good dental hygiene at home. But if symptoms persist you should see an OMFS for treatment options such as dental scaling or gum therapy
4) Reduce Anxiety – Some people get anxious about going to the dentist because they worry about. What might happen during their appointment. As anxiety is a normal reaction, an OMFS will do everything possible to put you at ease during your examination. They will also explain every step of the process before starting any work.
5) Avoid Dental Crowding – Dental crowding can occur when there isn’t enough room for all of your teeth. Which may lead to misalignment or difficulty chewing food. If left untreated, it could lead to additional problems like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
6) Improve Appearance – When teeth shift out of place due to trauma or decay. It can cause uneven spacing which often leads to gaps between the front teeth. A consultation with an OMFS will allow them to make recommendations for restoring your natural appearance.
7) Prevent Diseases – Research shows that when you have healthy gums and bones. It reduces your risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. With early detection and treatment, OMFSs can help manage or even eliminate these risks.
8) Better Sleep – It’s not uncommon for patients who grind their teeth at night to experience irritation in the muscles. Of the head and neck which can result in daytime headaches or sore jaws.
