Oral surgery is a special field of dentistry that handles cases related to physical malformations and aesthetic aspects, either due to underlying disease or accident. It is not exclusive to teeth as it also covers the entire face and mouth, the maxillofacial area in particular. Nevertheless, a cosmetic dentist normally works with an oral surgeon when the area of concern is the face. A prosthodontist is also a usual partner for an oral surgeon as many surgeries require prosthetics and orthotics.
It is also common for oral surgeons to perform an operation to diagnose a disease that may be causing physical deformity or pain. To help you understand more about this field, here are seven common conditions treated with oral surgery in Washington DC.
1. Removal of Impacted or Diseased Teeth
This procedure requires general anesthesia or intravenous sedation; thus, only an oral surgeon can perform it. Normally, though, a referral from a medical physician is required before in-office anesthesia is administered.
It should be mentioned that some general dentists also perform this procedure (to which many patients agree to, to save on expenses), although it is ill-advised.
2. Trauma-Related Damage
It is not uncommon for a restorative or cosmetic dentist to plan, design, and place dental implants on a patient. However, when the teethâs damage is due to trauma (e.g. accident), and the patient also requires gum modification and facial bone reconstruction, the inclusion of an oral surgeon to the team is necessary.
3. Facial Trauma
Even when the teeth do not require treatment but other areas on the face do, an oral surgeon will perform the necessary reconstructive treatments on the skin, bones, and tissues. Nerves can also be reconnected to restore tactile sense and facial muscle movements, and in the case of complex cases, reconstruct eye sockets and lacerations. For aesthetic purposes, a patient may request for specific changes on their physical appearance as part of the treatment.
4. Facial Pain Disorders
Some types of facial pain disorders only require physical therapy and medication, so the oral surgeon will be the one to make the referral. However, for cases like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), an oral surgeon may be required before planning other therapies.
5. Cyst or Tumor Removal
In cooperation with an oncologist (for metastatic tumors), an oral surgeon may take charge before a patient undergoes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other conventional cancer treatments. Nevertheless, benign cysts and tumors may be removed without additional treatments.
6. Malocclusions
This is a condition that makes speaking, chewing, and even breathing difficult. Corrective surgery may be performed on the jaw but only in coordination with an orthodontist.
7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Although mild OSA does not require any invasive treatments, severe OSA as determined through polysomnography is very likely to require oral surgery. The referral is usually made by a general dentist or physician who suspects the existence of sleep problem.
Aside from the discussed conditions treated with oral surgery, other unusual cases may also require the service of an oral surgeon as deemed necessary by the referring team or doctor.
