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When you have impacted wisdom teeth or need dental implants installed, your dentist may recommend an oral surgeon. Learn more about what these surgeons do and the advantages of receiving the services of these highly trained specialists. At NextGen OMS in Frisco, TX, you can receive surgical and non-surgical treatment from a doctor who trained for dental and medical degrees. Keep reading to learn more.

Oral surgeons are also called maxillofacial surgeons. They operate on the mouth, jaws and face to correct problems due to damage, injury or illness. The surgeon at NextGen OMS, Dr. Eftekhari, can diagnose and treat issues with the neck, head, jaws and oral cavity. This is an internationally recognized specialty.

In order to receive their credentials, these surgeons attend four years of dentistry school and complete a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Eftekhari has completed these extensive educational requirements, including pain control and anesthesia training. He also has many years of experience performing oral surgery on clients.

Your dentist may recommend that you see an oral surgeon when they can provide better care for your case.

Who Needs an Oral Surgeon?

Generally speaking, anyone might need an oral surgeon at some point in their life. For example, if you decide to get dental implants, these specialists can best perform the surgery. These surgeons are also the preferred provider for cyst or tumors in your jaw. If you have life saving surgery to remove a cancerous cyst or tumor on your head or neck, you may also need reconstructive surgery. With a surgeon, you can receive maxillofacial reconstructive surgery to improve your appearance.

Other reasons people need oral surgery include the following:

• Facial pain or TMJ/TMD
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Misaligned jaw
• Cleft lip surgery
• Cleft palate surgery
• Face, neck or jaw cancer
• Wisdom teeth issues
• Reconstructive surgery to treat an injury

Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, oral surgery is not the first line of defense. However, if you have obstructive sleep apnea, oral surgery can provide an effective solution. During the procedure, the surgeon enlarges your airway. This may mean removing excess tissue or adjusting bones to make it easier for you to breathe while you sleep.

Jaw Misalignment

If your jaw is severely misaligned, you might need orthognathic surgery. This requires the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Eftekhari may use plates, wires and screws to realign the jaw. This surgery typically only occurs if the misalignment causes problems with speaking, eating or sleeping.

Cleft Lip or Palate Surgery

Children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate require surgery to correct the defect. Oral surgery restores the function of the lips and mouth to improve the appearance and make it easier to breathe and eat. It typically takes about three weeks to recover from this surgery. Minimal scarring occurs between the upper lip and the nose. Otherwise, those who receive this surgery have a normal appearance. This is one of the most transformative surgeries performed all over the world.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth are also called third molars. They are the last teeth to develop and typically come out after adulthood. Some wisdom teeth never break the gum line. These teeth are said to be impacted. You may develop infection, pain and dental problems related to impacted wisdom teeth. You receive local anesthesia and go home after the surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery

If you play sports or work in a high-risk occupation, you may receive an injury to your face, neck or mouth. To repair the injury, reconstructive surgery may be needed. Reconstructive surgery refers to the rebuilding and correction of soft tissues, bone and related structures in the head and neck. Board-certified reconstructive surgeons such as Dr. Eftekhari undergo years of education and training to perform these delicate procedures.

Cancer of the Jaw

You may first notice a problem when you feel pain in your jaw. So, you may end up at the dentist, thinking you have a toothache. Chances are, grinding your teeth or another reasonable explanation lies behind your pain. However, that discomfort may come from a tumor. Cancer in the jaw often spreads from the mouth or throat. It impacts your ability to breathe and eat. Therefore, the situation is serious. Fortunately, you can receive excellent care from a top oral surgeon in Frisco, TX.

Benefits of Oral Surgery

When you choose oral surgery from a specialist, you increase your chances of a good outcome. Taking care of your teeth properly is only one pillar of your oral health care. It’s also important to get the care you need when a problem arises. For this reason, choose an oral surgeon if your dentist recommends it.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides surgical and non-surgical care, including diagnosis and treatment. Should surgery become necessary, the same surgeon can remove the tumor and provide reconstructive surgery to restore your appearance.

Choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon gives you the peace of mind that you have a highly skilled specialist on your side.

Benefits of choosing an oral surgeon include the following:

• Trained dentist and medical doctor
• Highly skilled in advanced procedures
• Certified in IV sedation and anesthesia

Consider the credentials of your surgeon to ensure that they have the appropriate experience and training. For example, Dr. Eftekhari has more than 15 years of combined experience in dental and medical education, training and surgical residency. Because of this, you will receive the best care and treatment at NextGen OMS.

Best Local Oral Surgeon 

Contact us at NextGen OMS today to schedule a consultation for oral surgery or any other concerns you have about the head and neck area. We specialize in nose, throat, head and neck disorders, cancers, pathologies and other issues. Call us at (817) 349-9122 with any questions you have regarding our services or to make an appointment.