When you need oral surgery, choosing the right oral surgeon is important. Bay Area residents have a number of oral surgeons to choose from, but how do you know which one is right for you? We take a look at what oral surgeons do and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Oral surgeons are dental specialists who treat a variety of oral health problems. They can perform a wide range of surgeries, including removing wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, and correcting jaw deformities. Oral surgeons can also treat patients who have forms of oral cancer.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common procedures performed by an oral surgeon. Many people have wisdom teeth that are impacted, meaning they grow in at an angle and become stuck under the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. They can also make it difficult to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Oral surgeons can remove impacted wisdom teeth safely and effectively. The surgery is usually performed using general anesthesia, so patients are asleep during the procedure. Recovery typically takes a few days, during which patients need to eat soft foods and take pain medication.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are another common oral surgery procedure. Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to support artificial teeth. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, and they look and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are a great option for people who have lost teeth due to injury, infection, or disease. The surgery to place dental implants is usually performed under general anesthesia, and it takes several months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. Once the implants are in place, they can be used to support artificial teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Jaw Deformity Correction
Oral surgeons can correct a number of jaw deformities. These include overbites, underbites, and misaligned jaws. Jaw correction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. Recovery from jaw correction surgery typically takes several weeks, during which patients must eat soft foods and take pain medication.
Oral Cancer Treatment
Oral surgeons are often involved in the treatment of oral cancer. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, and other tissue in the mouth. It can be difficult to detect in its early stages, so it’s important to see a dental professional for regular checkups.
When detected in its early stages, oral cancer can be treated successfully. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Oral surgeons work with patients to develop treatment plans that are right for them.
How to Choose the Right Oral Surgeon
When choosing an oral surgeon, it’s important to find one who is experienced and has a good reputation. You should also ensure that they are certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. This certification means that the oral surgeon has completed an accredited residency program and passed a rigorous oral and written exam.
Here are some factors that you may want to review when choosing an oral surgeon:
Experience With Your Condition
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an oral surgeon is whether or not they have experience treating patients with your specific condition. If you need wisdom teeth removal, for example, choose an oral surgeon with a lot of experience performing this procedure. Otherwise, you may be at risk of complications.
Office Location
Another important factor to consider is whether or not the oral surgeon’s office is conveniently located. You’ll likely have to visit them several times, so you’ll want to choose an oral surgeon whose office is close to your home or work. This will make it easier to get to your appointments and ensure better success with any post-surgery plan.
Office Hours
Another thing to consider is the oral surgeon’s office hours. You’ll want to choose one with office hours that are convenient for you. For example, if you work during the day, you’ll want to find an oral surgeon who has evening or weekend office hours.
Fee Structure/Insurance
Be sure to ask about the cost of your procedure before you schedule an appointment so you can be sure that you can afford their services. Also, does your insurance cover the cost and what help will be provided from the surgical office on submitting insurance claims and billing.
Credentials
Make sure to ask about the oral surgeon’s credentials. Find out where they went to school and how long they have been in practice. This background and experience should be easy to locate and verify. You can also check their website to see if they are members of any professional organizations and are Board Certified.
Level of Comfort
Choosing an oral surgeon who makes you feel comfortable is also important. Be sure to visit the oral surgeon’s office and meet with them before you schedule your procedure. This way, you can get a feel for their bedside manner and make sure that you’re comfortable with them.
Quality of Reputation
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the oral surgeon has a good reputation. You can ask your friends and family for recommendations or check online reviews. Once you’ve found an oral surgeon who meets all of these criteria, you can be sure that you’re in good hands.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing an oral surgeon. Be sure to do your research and choose the oral surgeon that’s right for you so you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care.
Visit the Green Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center Today!
If you’re looking for an oral surgeon in the Bay Area, don’t hesitate to visit Green Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center. We are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care so that they can enjoy a healthy and happy smile.
We understand just how important it is to choose the right oral surgeon, which is why we have reliable and experienced oral surgeons on staff who are ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment; we can’t wait to meet you!