When you have a dental problem, you may need to visit an oral surgeon near me. These specialists have completed up to 6 years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after dental school.

They specialize in treating the mouth, face, teeth and jaws. They can also perform complicated surgeries on the head and neck. They also have access to advanced technology.

Cost

There are many factors that can influence the cost of oral surgery. Some of these include the type of procedure, whether it’s a minor or major surgery, and the geographic location. The cost can also vary depending on the type of anesthesia and other supplemental services. It’s important to understand these costs before undergoing oral surgery.

For example, the cost of dental implants is significantly more than a single tooth extraction. This is because implant treatment usually involves a crown and abutment. If you’re shopping for dental implants, be sure to compare prices between practices. Make sure the quotes you receive include all components of the procedure to avoid any surprises.

You can also save on dental procedures by checking with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. This can help you anticipate how much of the procedure will be covered by your insurance plan and how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket. This can help you manage your budget and financial investment more effectively.

Procedures

A person may require oral surgery to address a variety of problems. These issues can be caused by trauma or illness. For example, a patient with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) might experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening and closing their mouth.

Oral surgeons perform procedures like jaw realignment and dental reconstruction that a general dentist does not have the training or experience to do. They also place dental implants and do soft tissue repairs.

During a procedure, an oral surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the specific area. They will also use a dental dam to prevent bacteria from spilling onto other areas of the mouth during the operation. They can also perform a frenectomy to cut the flap of skin connecting two tissues. This will relieve discomfort and allow the tissues to heal properly. During recovery, it is important to avoid smoking and spitting or vigorously swishing your mouth to promote healing.

Experience

Typically, patients who need oral surgery are referred to an oral surgeon by their dentist. This is because a dentist can only handle certain procedures, like tooth extraction and implant placement, but an oral surgeon handles all other surgical issues.

Oral surgeons receive 4-6 additional years of hospital-based surgical training after dental school, which makes them the most highly-trained surgical specialists in the dental field. They train in internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other surgical specialties.

Because of this, oral surgeons can offer more advanced forms of sedation and anesthesia for your comfort and safety. They also have extensive experience in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery and treating facial pain, injuries and fractures. This is why they’re able to provide gold-standard care to their patients.

Insurance

As a medical specialist, an oral surgeon has extensive training in the surgical procedures of the jaw, face and head. Many medical insurance policies can cover oral surgery treatments if the procedure is deemed necessary for your health. However, it is best to check with your specific dental or medical insurance provider for details of coverage.

Both dentists and oral surgeons can perform tooth extractions and implant placement, but an oral surgeon is better equipped to handle more complex cases like impacted wisdom teeth. During their 4-6 years of residency, an oral surgeon completes hospital-based surgical training that includes time spent in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesia.

They are also qualified to perform bone grafts, which add extra jawbone support for dental implants. This allows them to place more stable, long-lasting dental replacements that are more durable than other alternatives. They can also treat facial trauma and reconstructive jaw work for patients with severe bone loss.