Seeing an oral surgeon may be necessary for a variety of reasons, as these specialized dental professionals are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral and maxillofacial conditions. Here are some common reasons why you might need to see an oral surgeon:

Extraction of Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often become impacted, meaning they do not fully emerge from the gum line. Oral surgeons are experts in the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and other dental issues.

Dental Implant Placement: If you are missing teeth and want to replace them with dental implants, oral surgeons are typically the ones who perform the surgical procedure to place the implants in your jawbone.

Treatment of Oral Pathologies: Oral surgeons diagnose and treat various oral pathologies, including cysts, tumors, and oral cancers. They may perform biopsies, remove abnormal tissues, and coordinate treatment with other medical specialists as needed.

Facial Trauma: In cases of facial injuries, such as fractures to the jaw, cheekbones, or facial bones, oral surgeons are trained to provide surgical repair and reconstruction to restore both function and aesthetics.

Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Oral surgeons can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. They may recommend nonsurgical treatments or surgical interventions when necessary.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery: Before receiving dentures or other dental prosthetics, some patients require oral surgery to prepare the oral tissues and bone for a better fit.

Bone Grafting: In cases where there is insufficient bone structure in the jaw to support dental implants, oral surgeons can perform bone grafting procedures to augment the bone volume.

Management of Facial Pain: If you experience chronic facial pain, oral surgeons can help diagnose and manage conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or atypical facial pain.

Salivary Gland Disorders: Conditions affecting the salivary glands, such as salivary gland stones or infections, may require surgical intervention, which oral surgeons can provide.

It’s important to note that oral surgeons work closely with other dental and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients. Your general dentist or other healthcare providers may refer you to an oral surgeon when necessary, ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment for your specific oral and maxillofacial condition.