Oral surgery in South Hampton Roads

What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

Considered a specialty in the field of dentistry, an oral and maxillofacial surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating defects and diseases of the mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons administer extractions, jaw surgery, and other procedures that restore your smile’s function. If jaw surgery is required to properly align the jawbone, it is often called orthognathic surgery.

Dental Surgery Services

Our compassionate oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide an array of services to correct and restore your smile. Here are a few of the services provided by our practice:

Tooth Extractions

If your decayed or injured tooth cannot be saved by a general dentist, you may be referred to an oral surgeon for an extraction. Oral surgeons remove impacted third molar (wisdom tooth), which can cause a gum infection if left in place. Another common reason for an extraction is orthodontic treatment. Occasionally, oral surgeons must remove otherwise healthy teeth to accommodate future orthodontic correction devices.

Mouth Cancer Diagnosis

Oral cancer often develops without symptoms, which makes it necessary to see a dentist each year for a screening. During an oral cancer exam, the dentist or dental surgeon will inspect your mouth for signs of cancer, including sores, thickening, or lumps. Suspicious growths typically are biopsied and sent for evaluation. Remember, oral cancer is treatable when caught in its early stages. If a cancer diagnosis is made, your oral surgeon will discuss your options and potential outcomes.

Oral Pathology

The area of dentistry focusing on diseases of the mouth, salivary glands, or related areas is referred to as oral pathology. Examples of common oral diseases include hairy tongue, patchwork tongue, and palatal cysts. Our dental surgeons are skilled at treating even the most unusual cases. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an oral disease, give our office a call for diagnosis and treatment.

Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Sometimes described as “sleep dentistry,” sedation involves using oral or intravenous medications to promote relaxation among dental patients. In fact, you may be able to “sleep” during the entire procedure. Our oral surgeons are skilled at helping patients feel completely comfortable during treatment. During your appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss which sedation options meet your needs.

Sinus Lift

When a patient doesn’t have enough jawbone to support dental implants, a sinus lift may be necessary. This is especially common when receiving implants in the upper jaw. During a sinus lift, the oral surgeon inserts a bone graft between the sinuses and jawbone, which creates space for the implant. This procedure is typically offered by a maxillofacial surgery specialist.

How Do You Schedule an Oral Surgery Appointment?

Don’t let persistent oral pain or other symptoms affect your quality of life. Instead, contact our specialists to find out whether you are a candidate for oral surgery in South Hampton Roads. We work closely with dentists and primary care physicians to create fully personalized care plans. Our goal is to resolve your symptoms quickly while helping you achieve excellent long-term dental health. If you’ve said, “I need to find dental surgery near me,” contact our office today to learn more about our services.