Finding a Northern Virginia Oral Surgeon

You might already know that oral surgeons and general dentists are not the same. However, you might not know what makes them different. In fact, most people don’t know the difference between these two professionals. To help you understand what they each do, let’s discuss the differences. After all, it is useful information so that you know which one to see in a dental emergency.

What Are Oral Surgeons?

You are probably familiar with what a general dentist is. In short, an oral surgeon is a specialized general dentist who is trained to conduct oral surgeries. Oftentimes, they do surgeries that general dentists simply can’t do.

Are you in need of an oral surgeon? If so, you have come to the right place. We are proud to offer Northern Virginia oral surgery services that you can count on. Give us a call, and we can schedule a consultation for you.

What It Takes to Become an Oral Surgeon

People generally feel pretty confident when they visit oral surgeons to fix their dental problems, and for good reason. It takes a lot of extra training to perform oral surgery. In fact, oral surgeons have to go through another six years of surgical residency after completing dental school.

This extra training is what gives oral surgeons the ability to undergo a number of surgeries that general dentists simply can’t do. Often, the surgeries that oral surgeons perform go beyond just the mouth. Beyond mouth surgeries, oral surgeons often do jaw and face surgeries.

Oral surgeons also have to be trained in using both IV sedation and general anesthesia. They have to know how to use these in order to provide better pain management during surgery. It’s because of these factors why oral surgeons have to go to school for much longer.

Why Do People Have to Visit Oral Surgeons?

When you are having general work done on your teeth or gums, you can usually just visit your general dentist. When it comes to more complex surgeries, though, the dentist simply isn’t equipped for such an undertaking. This doesn’t mean that they haven’t undergone the training. Rather, their actual offices don’t have the equipment to do surgeries.

This is when oral surgeons come into play. Oral surgeons have the knowledge and setup to take on oral surgeries that general dentists can’t. Basic surgeries, such as tooth extractions, might be handled by general dentists. However, anything more complicated is going to require the help of an oral surgeon.

What Types of Surgeries Can Oral Surgeons Perform?

Knowing which kinds of oral surgeries that oral surgeons in Northern Virginia can perform is important. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to know for certain which surgeries they can do. If you are unsure if you need an oral surgeon, reach out to your general dentist. We can let you know if you need an oral surgeon or not.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Having wisdom teeth removed is a pretty common practice. That is because most people don’t need their wisdom teeth, and they generally take up too much room in the mouth. As a result, people have them taken out to lessen their chances of overcrowding or developing tooth decay.

In some situations, your general dentist can take out your wisdom teeth. However, if they have become impacted or are trapped by other teeth, you will need to visit an oral surgeon. This type of removal is a lot more complicated than a simple tooth extraction.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Oral surgeons can also help with sleep apnea issues. Getting treatment for sleep apnea is very important. In case you didn’t know, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be very dangerous sometimes. If left untreated, it can stop people’s breathing during the night.

In most cases, sleep apnea treatment requires that an oral surgeon remove some extra tissue in the back of the throat. This clears the air passage and allows you to take in more air when sleeping.

Surgery on the Jaw

Oftentimes, oral surgeons have to deal with surgeries that involve the jaw. This typically happens when people have been involved in accidents that have dislocated or broken their jaws. That being said, oral surgeons can work on the alignment of the jaw too. This is perfect for people who experience pain when chewing or even just talking.

Other Procedures

There are a number of surgeries that oral surgeons perform. In fact, there are too many to list. That being said, it’s not your job to learn all of the different surgeries. If you are experiencing pain in your mouth, you should go see your general dentist to find out if you need to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon.

What to Expect When Visiting an Oral Surgeon

Let’s say that you visited your dentist, and now it’s time to visit an oral surgeon. When visiting a Northern Virginia oral surgeon, your first step is to simply set up a consultation. The consultation is important because the oral surgeon will examine your mouth and determine the best course of action. The surgeon will also give you information on how to prepare for oral surgery and what you can do afterward to speed up the healing process.

After the consultation, the oral surgeon will set up a time for you to come back for the actual surgery. Be sure to prepare for the surgery just as your oral surgeon has asked you to. If you don’t prepare, you might be unable to undergo the surgery and have to come back on a different day.

We Are Here to Help

Do you need an oral surgeon in Northern Virginia? If so, you are at the right place. We pride ourselves in offering reliable oral surgery services that don’t break the bank. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation.