Keeping your mouth healthy is not something to take for granted. It requires commitment daily. But sometimes, even in the best of intentions, things can go painfully wrong. In those instances, you might start to wonder: “Do I need oral surgery?”
You may need oral surgery for a number of reasons and conditions, some straightforward and some more serious. An oral surgeon works with your family dentist to identify problems, coordinate care, and develop a treatment plan.
Oral surgery procedures are, unfortunately, much more involved than those of general dentistry. They may not be enjoyable to go through, but they are necessary to protect your overall health. To learn more about oral surgery, contact Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427 today.
It’s not a question you can answer for yourself. You don’t want oral surgery unless you genuinely need it. Therefore, the role of the general dentist is crucial. Through your routine checkups, your dentist may identify issues that raise the prospect of the need for oral surgery.
The answer may be yes in some obvious situations. For instance, as young people grow older, dentists will typically evaluate the need for removing wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is an oral surgical procedure.
Sometimes you might need a tooth removed to address gum disease or other problems. Removing a tooth is a general dentistry procedure, but it can become the surgeon’s domain if it requires removing bone or tissue.
Some oral surgery procedures have become so frequent that you might not even realize they fit the definition of oral surgery. But anything that involves surgical intervention fits the description of oral surgery. Examples of oral surgery include:
More advanced oral surgery can include rebuilding bone to support implants or nerve repositioning. The most likely route to an oral surgeon is via your family dentist. When you go to the dentist regularly, they can spot problems before they reach the advanced stage.
Probably the most critical factor in selecting an oral surgeon is the recommendation of your family dentist. They will probably have trusted providers they have worked with for many years.
Asking for referrals for friends and family can also point you in the right direction. People with good outcomes speaks to the quality of the oral surgeon.
Consider the oral surgeon’s background. Oral surgery requires four to six years in residency surgical training on top of four years of general dentistry school. Various professional associations offer certification programs that will make you more comfortable that your provider has the training and experience you need.
These programs often require providers to prove they continue to meet standards in professions such as oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Going to the dentist for regular checkups is hard enough. When you need oral surgery, it’s even harder. But it’s so important. The oral surgeon restores your teeth and gums to working order so they can do the job for which they are intended. Trust the staff at Lovett Dental to provide the oral surgery procedures that are right for you.
Our team can also serve as your family dentist, delivering top-notch preventive care. We provide a range of services, including:
We are also your go-to in the unlikely event of a dental emergency for quick repairs or other treatments. Don’t let the fear of the dentist stop you from getting the care you need. Contact Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427 today for an appointment.
Lovett, Splendid & Haven Dentistry
Dental Offices in TX