If you need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, sometimes called a “mouth surgeon,” and you’re from the Basking Ridge area, then you’ve come to the right place.
Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat most mouth-related issues from impacted wisdom teeth to even some cancers.
That being said, let’s take a closer look at what these surgeons can do.
What Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons Do
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and diseases related to the mouth, jaws, and face. They are trained in pain control and anesthesia use and perform a number of surgeries to address various problems and cosmetic issues.
In general, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will:
- Evaluate and Diagnose—If you have a dental emergency or less serious problem, then the surgeon will perform a checkup, review your medical history, and diagnose the problem.
- Address and Treat Problems—Maxillofacial surgeons will address any issues and propose the best course of action. They will also perform any necessary surgeries.
- Prescribe Medication—Whether it’s during the recovery process or to address a specific problem, the surgeon will prescribe any needed medication.
- Educate—Your surgeon will let you know what caused the problem and how it can be treated and potentially avoided in the future.
Top 5 Procedures of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons
While oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform numerous procedures, here are the top five:
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants replace any lost or damaged teeth with an artificial one that is designed to last for decades and function just like any other tooth in your mouth.
The procedure involves implanting a screw into the jawbone which acts as the root of the artificial tooth. An abundant and crown is then attached to mimic a real tooth.
2. Oral Cancer Surgery
Oral cancer can often be caused by smoking, viruses, carcinogens, and even alcohol and must be dealt with immediately.
Oral cancer surgery involves removing cancerous tissues to prevent the cancer from spreading and to eliminate it.
3. Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, or cramping your other teeth, then they will likely need to be removed.
This procedure consists of removing the wisdom tooth and part of the gum, if necessary, followed by sewing up the gum.
4. Corrective Jaw Surgery
Sometimes the jaw can have structural issues or be misaligned. In these cases, pain and even breathing problems may occur.
Corrective jaw surgery is performed to reposition the jaw and correct any structural problems.
5. Oral Reconstructive Surgery
Oral reconstructive surgery is performed to fix facial defects. These defects can include breathing problems that lead to snoring, chronic infections, and even cleft lip.
The surgery differs depending on the problem as well as the individual. Typically, x-rays will be needed to assess the situation and determine the best way to fix the problem.
When Should I See a Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Generally, your healthcare provider will be the one to refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon, especially if you are feeling pain in or around your mouth or have recently sustained a facial injury. Here are some common problems to look out for:
- Jaw pain or grinding
- Growths in or around your mouth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Unexplained headaches and earaches
- Poor sleep related to interrupted breathing
Additionally, if you suffer any injury to your facial area, such as from a sport-related incident, be sure to contact a maxillofacial surgeon right away to assess the situation and provide any needed treatments.
Find a Mouth Surgeon Near Me
Whether you are searching for “pull wisdom teeth near me” or some other oral service, then our maxillofacial surgeons in Basking Ridge can help. If you have a dental emergency or have questions about an issue you are experiencing, you can consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon today.
