Some conditions that pertain to oral health are too specific for general practitioners like general dentists to take care of. This is when you call in the oral surgeon. An oral surgeon, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. If you live in Mt. Pleasant and require oral surgery, it is very important to seek the right oral surgeon to guarantee a successful treatment and recovery.

In this blog, we are going to look at what an oral surgeon does, why you might need one, how to choose the best oral surgeon Mt Pleasant, and what to expect during your consultation and surgery.

What Is an Oral Surgeon?

A surgeon who specializes in oral surgery would have completed advanced training in dental school beyond becoming a regular dentist. After graduation as a dentist, an oral surgeon receives several years of surgical education to be competent in complex cases like tooth extraction, dental implantation, and jaw surgeries that involve treatments from facial injuries. Oral surgeons handle many conditions, among them TMJ disorders, oral cancers, and even corrective jaw surgery.

Why You Might Need an Oral Surgeon in Mt. Pleasant

There are several reasons you may need to consult an oral surgeon, including:

Wisdom Teeth Removal: If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain, an oral surgeon can perform the necessary extraction.

Dental Implants: For patients with missing teeth, an oral surgeon can place dental implants, which are a permanent solution to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.

Jaw Surgery: Some patients will require jaw surgery to correct misalignments that can affect eating, speaking, and overall comfort.

Facial Trauma: If you’ve experienced a facial injury, oral surgeons are highly trained to repair fractures in the jaw, cheekbones, and other areas of the face.

TMJ Disorders: An oral surgeon can help with complex temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues that affect jaw movement and cause chronic pain.

Oral Cancer: Oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat oral cancers, which may require surgical intervention to remove tumours or perform biopsies.

Sleep Apnea: Sometimes, oral surgeons may help in surgically treating obstructive sleep apnea.

How to Choose the Best Oral Surgeon in Mt. Pleasant

When choosing an oral surgeon in Mt. Pleasant, there are several things you should look for to ensure that you receive the best care.

1. Credentials and Experience

Look for an oral surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; this indication would show that the surgeon has education, training, and some experience in the safe and effective performance of complex oral surgery procedures. In addition, look at the years of experience of the surgeon and if he specializes in the kind of surgery you require.

2. Referrals and Reviews

Word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family, or your general dentist can be very beneficial. You may also check out reviews online that describe what others have experienced from the surgeon. Good feedback both about the care provided and about the surgeon's bedside manner is sure to aid in making the right decision.

3. Technology and Techniques

Make sure the oral surgeon's office is equipped with modern technology. High-tech diagnostic equipment, such as digital imaging, 3D scanning, and laser surgery equipment, can help increase the precision and speed of your procedure. A surgeon who keeps abreast of modern techniques may also provide quicker recovery times and fewer complications.

4. Comfort and Communication

Many people fear oral surgery, so it is very important to choose a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable. Pay attention to how the surgeon communicates with you during your first consultation. Are they attentive to your concerns? Do they explain the procedure and answer all your questions thoroughly? A compassionate and communicative surgeon can make all the difference.

5. Location and Availability

Find a Mt. Pleasant oral surgeon who has an easily accessible location. You would also want to know when they will be available for an emergency case as you would never really know when you are going to end up in such a predicament.

What to Expect on Your Oral Surgery Consultation

The first visit of Mt. Pleasant oral surgeons will be more of a consultation, and here is what you should expect:

Medical History: The surgeon will review your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Be sure to provide details about any current medications or health conditions.

Examination and Imaging: The surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and jaw. They may take X-rays or use 3D imaging to get a clear view of the area requiring treatment.

Treatment Plan: The surgeon will discuss a customized treatment plan after the diagnosis. They will outline the procedure to be carried out, which will include discussing risks, benefits, and alternative options.

Options for Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of your surgery, the surgeon will explain the different anesthesia options. They may opt for local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

The Oral Surgery Procedure

The oral surgery procedure varies based on the treatment. However, most oral surgeries have a common procedure:

Pre-surgical Preparation: Before surgery, you’ll be given instructions to follow, such as fasting if general anesthesia is being used.

The Surgery: On the day of your surgery, the procedure will be performed either in the surgeon’s office or a hospital setting, depending on its complexity.

Recovery: You will be observed in the recovery room when you come around from anesthesia. Most oral surgical procedures have relatively short recovery times, but some swelling, bruising, or discomfort can occur. Your surgeon will provide instructions for post-operative care, such as pain management and what you can do to ensure a successful recovery.

Aftercare and Recovery

Appropriate aftercare can help your mouth heal without any complications. Listen to your oral surgeon's suggestions for aftercare, which can include:

Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.

Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the surgery was done.

Pain Management: Take prescribed medications as directed to help manage pain and inflammation.

Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and removal of stitches, if necessary.

Conclusion

We, at Mt Pleasant Dentist provide expert oral surgery to ensure the best and optimal health of your mouth in Mt. Pleasant. Our skilled oral surgeons specialize in a wide range of treatments, from the removal of wisdom teeth and dental implants to jaw surgery and facial trauma care. We work at making all of our patients comfortable while using advanced techniques and care to provide the most appropriate outcomes for your oral health. Whether for routine surgery or more complex procedures, you can count on our highly trained staff to guide you through every step. Contact us today to arrange a consultation!