Learning All About What an Oral Surgeon Is and Does
At some point in life, everyone has to visit a dentist. However, what about an oral surgeon? Not everyone has to visit an oral surgeon, which is why so many people aren't familiar with what they do. Learning what an oral surgeon does is important for you and your family in the event that you ever have to see one.
Let's go into detail about what oral surgeons are and what they can do for you. If after reading this you think that you might need an oral surgeon, you have already come to the right place. Contact us to set up a consultation to see our oral surgeon in Long Island.
Quick Overview of What a Surgeon Does
Without going into too much detail, you simply need to know that an oral surgeon takes on the surgeries that your general dentist can't. While it's true that general dentists sometimes perform very minor surgeries, such as simple tooth extractions, they can't take on more complex surgeries. This is because they don't have the schooling to do so, nor are their offices equipped to handle such procedures.
Oral surgeons have to undergo several more years of schooling than general dentists. During that time, they learn how to perform surgeries on the face, mouth, jaw and throat. They also learn how to use general anesthesia to ensure that they can deliver a pain-free experience.
What Kinds of Surgeries Does an Oral Surgeon Perform?
When you go to an oral surgeon, you're going to have surgery. You don't go to an oral surgeon for a tooth cleaning or teeth whitening. Thus, let's take a moment to talk about a few of the surgeries that you might go to an oral surgeon for. While the list below is short, the amount of surgeries that a surgeon performs is actually vast.
Removing an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Most of the time, you can have a tooth removed by a general dentist. However, removing a wisdom tooth can be a bit more tricky. There are times when a general dentist can do it, but most of the time, a wisdom tooth is a job best left to an oral surgeon. This goes double if the wisdom tooth is impacted. This means that it hasn't fully broken through the gums yet.
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a lot of pain and pressure. Also, some people don't have enough room for wisdom teeth in their mouths. This causes crowding among your teeth. The crowding makes them much more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay. This is why some people have their wisdom teeth taken out as a precaution even if they aren't necessarily causing any problems.
Removing Tissue to Treat Sleep Apnea
Did you know that sleep apnea is a big problem in the United States? It's estimated that roughly 22 million people have it, and many never seek treatment. This is bad because sleep apnea can be deadly if left untreated. Some 38,000 people pass away from sleep apnea each year. The saddest part is that most of these lives could have been saved if the individuals had visited oral surgeons.
Oral surgeons can make sleep apnea less deadly. This is done by removing some of the extra tissue in the back of the throat, making it easier to breathe at night. If you're suffering from sleep apnea, contact our Long Island oral surgeon.
Performing Complex Jaw Surgeries
Yet another problem for which people go to oral surgeons is issues that involve their jaws. There are plenty of things that can go wrong with the jaw, and most are fairly painful. General dentists, though, can't offer much relief for the jaw. Thus, you are left with the option of going to an oral surgeon.
The two most common reasons why people visit oral surgeons for their jaws are because of pain and when the jaw has become broken. If you experience pain while chewing or talking, you might have an alignment problem with your jaw. Thankfully, an oral surgeon will be able to help you fairly quickly.
Removing Tumors and Cancerous Tissues
If you have a tumor or cancer in your mouth or throat, this is a job best left for an oral surgeon. The surgeon will be able to remove them carefully and skillfully. However, keep in mind that if you have cancer, you'll probably still need cancer treatment after the surgeon removes the affected tissues. This extra step ensures that the cancer doesn't spread throughout your body.
Once again, this is just a short list of the surgeries that an oral surgeon can perform. If you have questions about other surgeries or about one of the ones talked about above, feel free to give us a call. We can provide the answers that you need.
What to Expect When Visiting a Long Island Oral Surgeon
There are a number of reasons why people are afraid to go to oral surgeons. However, the biggest reason is the unknown. There's nothing to fear, though, because their whole job is to make you feel better.
When you visit an oral surgeon, the first visit is just a consultation. The surgeon will examine your mouth and come up with the best possible treatment plan to fit your needs. You'll get some tips that you should follow to prepare for your next visit as well. This could be as simple as finding someone to drive you home after your appointment or adhering to a list of what you can and can't eat before surgery.
Visit Us When You Need an Oral Surgeon in Long Island
There are plenty of oral surgeons for you to visit in Long Island. However, we've made a name for ourselves as one of the best in the area. We strive to keep our prices affordable, and we can perform a number of surgeries to address a lot of problems. If you need more information, don't wait any longer to give us a call.
