If you need an oral procedure, you may be weighing your options between a general dentist or an oral surgeon in Dallas. While your regular dentist is well-equipped to handle some common treatments, others are best performed under the hand of an experienced, highly-trained oral surgeon. We have listed the top procedures best executed by an oral surgeon below.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
The third molars, also called the wisdom teeth, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 23. Unfortunately, there is rarely enough space in the gum to support the eruption of a third set of molars. Wisdom teeth often only erupt partially, meaning they become impacted in the gum line. Impacted molars cause chronic discomfort and put you at a greater risk of infection.
General dentists are qualified to perform wisdom tooth extraction, but it’s best to trust the procedure to a qualified oral surgeon. It’s especially important to choose an oral surgeon for teeth that are impacted or seriously infected.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are completed in two phases: initial implantation and final restoration. Some general dentists are qualified to place dental implants, but many don’t perform the procedure very often. They’re busy providing routine checkups, fillings, root canals, and meeting the countless other demands of a general dentistry practice. An oral surgeon, on the other hand, is highly experienced in the surgical placement of dental implants. Most oral surgeons place dozens of dental implants per week.
Surgical Extraction
There are two types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is possible when the tooth is visible in the gum and can be removed in a single piece. A surgical extraction requires your dentist to create an incision to open the gum line and remove the tooth in pieces. Oral surgeons are best at performing the surgical treatment.
Reattaching Knocked Out Teeth
Teeth that have been knocked out can be reattached when attended to within the first two hours of loss. An oral surgeon can put a missing tooth back again. Immediately after its loss, rinse the missing tooth of any debris, but do not scrub the tooth or touch its root. Doing so can damage the sensitive cells and make reattachment impossible.
Repeat Root Canals
Sometimes endodontic treatment, or a root canal, fails. An unsuccessful root canal doesn’t mean the first procedure was performed badly, though. The inside of the tooth is filled with tiny canals and nerves, and it can be nearly impossible to remove all the infection. If you have a persistent toothache following root canal treatment, an oral surgeon can perform a second root canal. A different procedure called an apicoectomy can also help treat unsuccessful root canals. Your oral surgeon is highly qualified to perform endodontic treatment.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Dallas Oral Surgeon
Partner with an expert for your next oral surgery. Whether it’s tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or something else you need, patients trust our high-quality care. Contact Texas Center For Oral Surgery LLC to schedule an appointment today!