Problems Treated by an Oral Surgeon

There are a number of common oral and maxillofacial problems that may require the services of an oral surgeon. If you have recently experienced pain or trauma to your mouth or teeth, you may benefit from a consultation with a physician in your area. Some of the most common problems involve impacted teeth, loss of teeth, or jaw problems such as TMJ disorders and uneven jaw growth. Each of these problems can be alleviated or even fixed completely with the help of an experienced dentist.

One of the most common problems that most people have to deal with at some point in time have to do with the development and possible impaction of the last set of molars in your mouth. Most of us develop wisdom teeth as adults and many of us have undergone painful surgery in our late teens or early twenties. Almost all of us have either had our wisdom teeth removed or know someone who has undergone this procedure.

An oral surgeon can help make the process go more smoothly and end up less painful in the long run. The main reason most wisdom teeth have to be removed is because they become impacted and do not fully develop due to the size of our jaws. Even if the jaw is the right size, the molar may not emerge at a proper angle and may end up bumping up against the second molars. Almost any tooth can become impacted and may require removal by an oral surgeon.

Another problem that many dental physicians help with is the replacement of teeth that have been damaged or lost due to trauma. Dental implants allow you to regain the form and function of your smile with a permanent solution that is more comfortable and often more reliable than temporary dentures. Good candidates for this type of surgery are young, healthy individuals that have a good level of bone density and can keep up with good oral health and hygiene habits.

Lastly, there are a number of congenital or traumatic jaw problems that can benefit from the help of an oral surgeon. TMJ disorders can be exquisitely painful or may cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth. Upper and lower jaws that are uneven can also cause problems with your bite and chewing food. Each of these can be helped by procedures and tools that bring the jaw back into alignment and ensure you remain pain free.