Who are oral surgeons?
Oral surgeons have extensive training to diagnose and treat various disorders, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, jaw, and hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face. They treat problems such as wisdom tooth extractions, jaw misalignment, jaw and mouth tumors, and cysts. Additionally, they can administer anesthesia and perform dental implant surgery.
The American College of Surgeons recognizes oral and maxillofacial surgery as one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
What types of surgeries can oral surgeons near you perform?
Oral surgeons perform different types of oral surgeries each year. Some of the most common ones include:
Dental bone graft
A dental bone graft becomes necessary when bone loss occurs in your jaw. There are several reasons why this happens. For example, when a natural tooth erupts, the tooth's root stimulates the nerves in the jaw. It sends signals to the brain for nutrients to keep the jaw strong and healthy. However, if your tooth is not there for an extended period, bone loss can occur in that area since there is no root to stimulate the nerves. In that case, oral surgeons can perform dental bone grafts to restore the volume and density of the jawbone for dental implants to be placed later.
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is the most common type of oral surgery. You may have to undergo this procedure if you have tooth trauma, severe cavities, gum disease (periodontal disease), or complications with your wisdom teeth. Dental specialists also perform tooth extractions in preparation for wearing dentures or other prostheses.
While most oral surgeons prefer to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, extractions are sometimes required to maintain oral health. Furthermore, many dental surgeons prescribe wisdom tooth extraction to lower the risk of tooth decay, bone loss, and other disorders.
Periodontal surgery
Your doctor may recommend periodontal treatment if you have moderate or severe periodontitis, an infection that can damage the gums and jawbone. In this procedure, an incision is made along the gum to move the tissue away from the tooth temporarily. The surgeon then cleans the tooth's root and flushes away plaque and bacteria accumulated under the gum. Finally, the gum is repositioned and sutured.
Dental implant
Dental implants are generally considered the most reliable and durable tooth replacement option. These tiny threaded posts, created from zirconia or titanium of the highest medical grade, are implanted to replace lost tooth roots in the jaw. A crown, dental bridge, or denture can repair the implant after it fully heals.
Sleep apnea surgery
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when tissues in the throat recede and block the airway during sleep. Conservative measures like oral device therapy or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines can successfully treat OSA. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Corrective jaw surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is also termed orthognathic surgery. It addresses skeletal abnormalities in the jawbone. Doctors could suggest this procedure to increase chewing ability, fix alignment issues, or balance out facial features. Orthognathic surgery can treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions that cause pain.
Cleft lip and palate repair
Babies born with a cleft lip have an opening in the upper lip, whereas babies born with a cleft palate have a gap in the palate (roof of the mouth). Some babies are born with both conditions. It occurs when the facial structures do not fully develop in the womb. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often perform cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to restore normal eating function and help children develop appropriate speech patterns later in life.
What are the most essential questions to ask your oral surgeon?
If your oral surgeon recommends oral surgery to improve your condition, you must discuss all relevant doubts and queries to feel better prepared before you undergo the procedure. Here are some common questions you can ask the oral surgeon:
- Is there any alternative to oral surgery?
- What will happen if I delay the surgery?
- Can you explain what I can expect during the procedure?
- Will you be using anesthesia? If yes, what type?
- How long will the surgery last?
- Will it be painful?
- How should I prepare for the oral surgery?
- Do I need to fast before the procedure?
- What is the effectiveness of the surgery?
- Are there any side effects, risks, or complications involved?
- What care do I need to take after the surgery?
- How long is the recovery period?
- Do I need to avoid any foods after the procedure?
- When can I return to my usual exercise routine?
- Will I need follow-up care?
How can you deal with anxiety before oral surgery?
If you are feeling nervous about your oral surgery, you're not alone—many people experience it, and it is entirely normal. Avoiding or delaying the surgery may not be the most practical option. However, there are many ways to manage your anxiety and have a more comfortable and positive experience during the procedure:
- Learn in-depth about your oral surgery procedure with your provider and reliable online resources so that you know what to expect and prepare for it accordingly.
- Schedule your appointment on a relatively free day when you have few commitments before and after the procedure.
- Read a book, phone a friend, watch funny videos, or engage in other activities that help you relax in the waiting room.
- If your doctor allows, listen to music or a podcast during the surgery.
- Practice deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation before and during the surgery to calm your nerves.
- Bring along your family member or friend for emotional support.
- Inform your oral surgeon about your anxiety and ask them for ways to feel at ease.
What to expect before and after oral surgery?
Oral surgery, which includes wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and bridges, is a common practice designed to enhance oral health, function, and appearance. Though it may seem daunting, knowing what to expect can ease concerns.
Before the procedure, it is a good idea to consult with an oral surgeon near you or a dentist to review the specific details of your surgery. This appointment will give you the chance to ask questions and understand the steps involved. Your healthcare provider will also provide pre-operative instructions, especially if general anesthesia is involved, which often requires fasting for about eight hours. A light meal a few hours before surgery may be allowed for procedures using local anesthesia.
On the day of your oral surgery, it's essential to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and avoid jewelry or accessories. The surgical team in charge of your pre and post-surgical care will ensure your comfort and administer the appropriate anesthesia based on the type of procedure.
After the surgery, you will rest and recuperate in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. Since most oral surgeries are outpatient, you'll typically be able to go home the same day. However, if general anesthesia was used, you should avoid driving for 24-48 hours, so it's recommended to arrange for a ride home.
It's normal to experience some swelling and discomfort after surgery. To help reduce swelling, apply ice packs to the affected area for 10 minutes. During recovery, stick to a soft-food diet and stay well-hydrated.
How to find the best oral surgeons near you in Chicago, Illinois?
If you have a health insurance plan and are looking for an oral surgeon, choosing a provider within your network could save you money. But how do you find qualified and experienced oral surgeons among the endless online profiles, websites, and directories? The answer is simple. Register with Zocdoc.
Zocdoc makes it easy to find experienced oral surgeons near you in Chicago, Illinois, to meet your healthcare needs. Create a free account with Zocdoc. Then, select the specialty or condition, location, and preferred appointment date and time in the search bar. Zocdoc will display a comprehensive list of doctors based on your search criteria. If you have insurance, enter the name of your insurance company into the search bar, and the site will show you the best oral surgeons that accept your plan. Additionally, if you're specifically looking for a female or male oral surgeon, you can filter your search results by gender.
At Zocdoc, we believe in creating long-term, trusting patient-physician relationships. Thus, every oral surgeon has a unique profile where you can learn about their teaching credentials, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and fluent languages. Verified patient reviews and user ratings can also help you make an informed decision. To better understand an oral surgeon, you can book a video appointment on Zocdoc before your in-person visit. Look for the purple video icon in the oral surgeon's profile or filter your selection of video appointments.
Make an appointment with an oral surgeon near you who accepts your insurance plan in real time. If you prefer not to share your insurance information when booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you can provide your insurance details later or indicate that you'll pay out of pocket. Some providers may still request insurance information to confirm the appointment. If you don't have insurance or choose not to use it, you can search for other providers on Zocdoc who may not require this information. For further guidance on insurance, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
All bookings with Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and free.
Prevalence of oral issues in Illinois, US
According to the Illinois Oral Health Surveillance Plan 2021-2025, published by the Illinois Department of Public Health, an estimated 42% of all cancers attributed to HPV (human papillomavirus) in Illinois occur in the back of the throat, tongue base, and tonsils. Reports also state that HPV likely causes around 81% of male cancers.
Regular cancer screenings during dental visits can lead to an early diagnosis, especially in people at increased risk due to alcohol and tobacco use and certain viral infections. However, only 34.8% of adults in Illinois reported having had an oral cancer screening in 2021. Additionally, roughly 68.1% of Illinois adults reported visiting a dental practitioner within the previous year, and about 27.9% reported having 1 to 5 permanent teeth removed, according to the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
Illinois Department of Public Health
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
SF Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery Associates of Charlotte
Arizona Maxillofacial Surgeons
OMS Nashville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah
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