For many people, regular dental checkups and cleanings are enough to support optimal mouth health. However, there are also a fair amount of people that require oral surgery in order to fix a certain condition. If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon in Mission Viejo Ca, then this means that you require a specific level of expertise to correct your mouth problem. This is not something to be ashamed of or fearful about. Many patients are thankful for the experience and skill that their oral surgeon brings to the table and are able to have their issue resolved rather quickly. 

Any time you experience pain or discomfort in your jaw, teeth, or gums, it is imperative to have an examination by your dentist in Laguna Niguel. They will be able to gauge the severity of the situation and determine whether maxillofacial surgery is necessary. Maxillofacial surgery is an area of dentistry that focuses on treating injuries and diseases around the mouth. In order to achieve this level of medical practice, one must complete more training than is required for a dentist. In other words, a medical degree may accompany other oral surgery diplomas along with a residency program. Oral surgeons are educated on anesthesia and other various specialties. 

Here are some examples of mouth conditions that an oral surgeon can help you manage: 

Impacted Teeth

This is a common condition with wisdom teeth; however, it can also happen with other teeth. Whenever teeth pop through the gums for the first time, they might not have space to fully emerge. This can lead to soreness and infections. 

Jaw Issues

If you’ve ever experienced TMJ syndrome, then you know that it relates to your jaw, specifically the “temporomandibular joint” that connects it to your skull. When this condition happens, you can experience jaw-popping, pain, headaches, and stiffness.

Underbite/Overbite

Misalignment of teeth is often classified as an underbite or overbite, depending on where the teeth line up. For some people, the condition is rather subtle. However, there are circumstances in which excessive underbite or overbite can cause problems with swallowing, chewing, and sleep apnea. In these cases, a dentist will often recommend orthognathic surgery.

Missing Teeth

Many people have missing teeth because of an accident or poor oral health. In this case, dental implants may be necessary to preserve the patient’s smile and regular eating habits. Implants are a permanent, long-term solution and can be made to match the color and shape of natural teeth. 

Breathing Issues at Night

Sleep apnea is a condition that happens when airways are constricted during sleep. This causes people to stop breathing for brief periods and decrease their quality of sleep each night. In some cases, a CPAP machine may be the solution. However, there are some oral surgery options that can expand the size of a patient’s airway, adjust nasal passages, or alter specific parts of the mouth in order to optimize breathing. 

Cancer

Not many people realize that oral surgeons are trained in performing treatment for many different types of cancer. Whether the cancer is found in the mouth, lips, larynx, throat, sinuses, or salivary glands, an oral surgeon may be the right professional to get that treatment started. 

As you can see, oral surgeons possess a multitude of knowledge and skills that can aid in different mouth-related problems. These professionals can also help with cleft palate surgery, nerve repair, and removing lesions on the mouth or face. Next time you face oral health complications, speak to your dentist in Mission Viejo or Laguna Niguel about the most efficient solution and see if you require an oral surgeon to get the job done.