Posted on 12/16/2024 by Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery
Have you ever heard the phrase "a stitch in time saves nine?" This saying can apply to your oral health too.
Sometimes, addressing dental problems early can help avoid more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
Many people associate oral surgeons with wisdom teeth extraction, but the reality is that oral surgeons perform a wide range of procedures.
These include dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, and treatments for facial trauma and tumors.
Here are some common reasons why your dentist might recommend you see an oral surgeon:
1. Impacted Teeth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt, or break through the gum line, due to lack of space or another obstacle. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. In many cases, impacted teeth need to be surgically removed by an oral surgeon.
2. Wisdom Teeth Removal: Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. However, not everyone has enough room in their mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, crowding, and other dental problems. Oral surgeons are experts in removing impacted wisdom teeth.
3. Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Once the implant has healed, a crown is attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
4. Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. In some cases, periodontal disease may require surgical treatment by an oral surgeon.
5. Facial Trauma: Oral surgeons are trained to treat facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and nose. They can perform surgery to repair these injuries and restore the function and appearance of the face.
6. Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. Oral surgeons play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. They may perform biopsies to diagnose cancer, as well as surgery to remove cancerous tissues and reconstruct the mouth and jaw.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see our oral surgeons as soon as possible:
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Severe toothache
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Swelling in the mouth or face
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Bleeding gums
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Loose teeth
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Difficulty chewing or swallowing
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A lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal
By addressing dental problems early, you can often avoid the need for more complex and costly treatment later. Our oral surgeons can help you understand your treatment options and make the best decision for your oral health.
About Us | Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery Our surgeon and compassionate oral surgery team share the same goal: To provide the most comfortable experiences with the very best outcomes for our patients! Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, 10935 Winds Crossing Dr. Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28273 / (980) 332-7990 / greatercharlotteoralsurgery.com / 1/21/2025 / Associated Words: dental implants Charlotte NC /
Have you ever heard the phrase "a stitch in time saves nine?" This saying can apply to your oral health too. 