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When it comes to oral health, you may be familiar with routine dental care—cleanings, fillings, and crowns. But what happens when your needs go beyond the usual? That is where an oral surgeon steps in.
Whether you are dealing with wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, or even corrective jaw surgery, oral surgeons play a vital role in helping you maintain and restore your oral health.
In this blog, you will learn more about the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, the procedures performed, and the benefits of choosing an oral surgeon for more complex needs. By the end, you will know exactly when and why to schedule an appointment.
Table of Contents
- What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
- Why See an Oral Surgeon?
- When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
- Trust Our Oral Surgeons in Boulder, CO
If you are dealing with wisdom tooth pain, missing teeth, jaw misalignment, or facial injuries, do not wait for the issue to worsen. An oral surgeon can provide the specialized care you need to restore your comfort, health, and confidence.
What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists with advanced training in surgical procedures of the mouth, jaw, face, and surrounding structures. After dental school, oral surgeons complete an additional four to six years of surgical training in a hospital-based residency program.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Wisdom tooth removal: A common procedure, often necessary when wisdom teeth are impacted, damaging adjacent teeth, or causing cysts or tumors.
- Dental implants: Place implants to replace missing teeth, offering a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
- Corrective jaw surgery: Also known as orthognathic surgery, it addresses issues with jaw alignment, improving function and appearance.
- Facial trauma repair: Treat injuries to the face, jaw, and mouth, following accidents or trauma.
- Reconstructive surgery: For patients who need more extensive repair, such as after bone loss or facial trauma.
- Cleft palate repair: A surgical solution for those born with a cleft lip or palate, improving both function and appearance.
- Oral pathology and diagnosis: Identify and treat diseases of the mouth, including oral cancer and other abnormalities, to ensure early detection and effective treatment.
Why See an Oral Surgeon?
Seeing an oral surgeon means you are entrusting your care to a specialist who is highly trained in surgical procedures. Their medical degree and surgical experience enable them to perform complex procedures with precision.
Expertise in Surgical Procedures
- Surgical training: Oral surgeons undergo years of rigorous training, making them experts in the specialty of dentistry that requires surgery.
- Compassionate care: Your oral surgeon understands the importance of both clinical excellence and patient comfort.
- Advanced technology: Many oral surgeons use multimedia presentations and visual accessibility options to help you understand your treatment plan.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
If you are experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your oral health, there are certain signs that should not be ignored. You do not have to wait until the pain becomes unbearable—an oral surgeon can help address a variety of issues before they worsen.
Consider booking a consultation if any of the following applies to you:
- Wisdom tooth pain or swelling: Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, or even infections as they push through. If your wisdom teeth are making themselves known in an unpleasant way, it may be time to consider wisdom tooth removal.
- Missing teeth: Missing teeth can affect both your appearance and how you eat or speak. Dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution that not only restore your smile but also prevent bone loss in your jaw. If you are tired of gaps in your smile, an implant might be the answer.
- Jaw pain or bite issues: If you are finding it hard to chew comfortably, or you have noticed that your bite is not aligned properly, corrective jaw surgery can help realign your jaw for better function and improved aesthetics. You do not have to live with daily discomfort.
- Injuries or trauma to the face: Accidents happen, and if you have suffered facial trauma—whether from a fall, car accident, or sports injury—an oral surgeon can help repair fractures and damaged soft tissues, restoring both appearance and function.
Trust Our Oral Surgeons in Boulder, CO
Oral surgeons are highly trained professionals that have access to advanced technology and treatment options that make procedures safer and more effective. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient. Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS and Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD, are experts in the field, and you can trust their clinical excellence.
If you are considering an oral surgery procedure—whether it is for wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, or jaw surgery—our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation appointment today to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Call (303) 444-2255 to book a consultation or complete the online inquiry form. If you are in Colorado and would like to visit our oral surgeons office in Boulder, stop in and say hello—we are located at 1420 28th St, Boulder CO.
