Oral Surgery in Union

What’s Meant by Jaw Surgery?

Dental surgery is the catch-all term applied to several types of surgery that involve the face and mouth. Maxillofacial surgery is performed on the face and jaw, while oral surgery is performed in the mouth, usually on the teeth and gums. Orthognathic surgery is a corrective surgery performed on the jaw to correct structural irregularities or skeletal disharmony. If you need oral and maxillofacial surgery and have been searching for “Where can I get the best dental surgery near me?”, then call our office today and schedule a consultation.

What Services Do Oral Surgeons Provide?

Oral surgeons provide a variety of specialized dental surgical procedures that are typically unavailable from a general dental office. When you schedule an appointment at our welcoming office, you’ll probably be requesting one of the following procedures, since they’re the most common:

Wisdom teeth removal

Your wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars to appear; they usually erupt after 18 years of age, but many people have insufficient room in the jaw to accommodate their wisdom teeth. If your general dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, call us to schedule an appointment. You may need to have them removed for the following reasons:

• There’s insufficient room in your jaw to accommodate the teeth.
• The wisdom teeth are erupting at an angle.
• The wisdom teeth are adversely impacting the surrounding teeth or jaw.

Technological advances in dentistry have made it relatively simple to extract wisdom teeth, but if you have more than one being extracted or if the wisdom teeth are impacted, you may need IV sedation or another type of sedation. Factors that affect the type of sedative you’ll need include the number of teeth involved and any additional corrections or issues that may be involved. All of these things will affect the final cost of the procedure.

Tooth extractions

Severe decay, injury or infection may necessitate removal of a tooth, as will severe misalignment. Sometimes, one tooth needs to be extracted to make room for teeth that are coming in. These factors and more will ultimately determine the cost of your dental surgical procedure.

Dental implants

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may need implants to restore structure and function to your jaw. A full set of teeth is necessary to maintain the structural alignment of your jaw and teeth. Otherwise, your face could become distorted, you might develop premature wrinkles, and your other teeth may become misaligned. Factors that will influence the final cost of your implants include the number you need and the materials used in making them. Although implants can be costly, they’re worth the money because they help to maintain good oral health.

Oral cancer screening and diagnosis

Often, we associate oral cancer with the use of tobacco, but there are other causes as well. The incidence of oral cancer is on the rise, and adults are encouraged to get a regular screening for oral cancer. The best prognosis results when it’s discovered early, so call us without delay to schedule your screening. If you experience any of the following, call our Union office to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening.

• Lump or thickened area in the mouth or on the tongue
• Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Ear pain
• Swollen jaw
• Oral cancer treatment

If you’re diagnosed with oral cancer, you may see several healthcare professionals besides your oral surgeon. Depending on the stage of your cancer, you may need radiation or chemotherapy or another type of treatment. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the better the outcome, so call today to schedule your screening.

Pre-orthodontic surgery

If you or your child need braces, then pre-orthodontic surgery may be required to make sure there’s enough room for the straightened teeth. It may also be necessary to expose teeth that haven’t fully erupted. Sometimes, the surgery will be performed after braces have been worn for a few months. The cost of this procedure will depend on the type and complexity of the oral surgery needed. Call our office for information specific to your unique circumstances or to book an appointment.

Pre-prosthetic surgery

Sometimes, pre-prosthetic surgery is necessary prior to the installation of dentures. If existing teeth need to be extracted, bone grafts are needed, or bumps need to be removed, you may need surgery.

TMJ and TMD treatment

The small joint in your jaw where your skull meets your jaw is called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, and it enables your jaw to open and close. Sometimes, patients experience a variety of problems with the TMJ, such as:

• Clicking sounds
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Inability to open and close the jaw

TMJ is very common, so many dentists have specialized treatment regimens for TMJ pain, and there are many non-surgical types of treatment; surgery is usually used as a last resort. Since bruxism, which is teeth grinding, is often a cause of TMJ, bruxism therapy is often part of a treatment regimen. Common types of TMJ treatment include:

• Medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical therapy

Although TMJ is sometimes referred to as lockjaw, which is a misnomer. Lockjaw is caused by tetanus and must be treated by a medical doctor without delay. It’s very serious and can be fatal if left untreated.

What’s the Procedure for Scheduling a Consultation for Oral Surgery?

If your dentist and primary care providers recommend oral maxillofacial surgery, call our office. We’re among the best in the area for jaw surgery procedures and we’ll ensure your comfort throughout your procedure. Your recovery instructions will be clear and easy to understand, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions. Don’t keep asking, “Is there a trusted specialist in dental surgery near me?” If you need to have oral surgery in Union, don’t procrastinate. Contact our office and schedule a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you, so call us today.