DENTAL HEALTH

Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon in Basking Ridge: What They Do and What to Expect

June 3, 2024
SAHIL BATRA
Table of contents

If you are looking for an oral maxillofacial surgeon in Basking Ridge, then our surgeons at Ridge Oral Surgery are happy to help!

Maxillofacial surgeons, sometimes called “oral or mouth surgeons,” are skilled professionals who can perform a number of procedures, with the most common being wisdom teeth removal.

With that being said, let’s jump into the “white cloaks” of these surgeons and see what they do.

The Path to Become an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

Not many people realize that maxillofacial surgeons are medical doctors. As such, they go through intensive training. After getting their bachelor’s degree, they move on to dental school for four years.

After graduating, they typically have a six-year residency, during this time, they also receive a medical degree. Then, they have to complete an exam to become certified.

Once certified, the surgeon can start a practice. Some go on to complete a fellowship where they specialize in a certain surgery such as cosmetic facial or craniofacial surgery, among others.

Surgeries that Maxillofacial Surgeons Can Perform

Maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgeries in the face, jaw, and mouth—often correcting diseases and injuries suffered in that region. Here are some of the most common surgeries:

  • Wisdom Teeth Removal—Wisdom teeth often need to be removed before they cause serious damage or lead to pain. This surgery involves removing the offending wisdom tooth/teeth and sowing up the resulting hole.
  • Dental Implants—If you have a missing or damaged tooth, then a dental implant may be a good option. The procedure typically involves implanting a screw into the jawbone that serves as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. 
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Surgery—If you have trouble sleeping, then it may be a result of the tissues in the back of your throat blocking your airway. In this case, a surgery can be performed to solve the problem.
  • Cleft Lip/Palate Correction—Both cleft lip and cleft palate can make it difficult to eat and speak properly. In these cases, an oral surgeon can correct the deformity to restore proper eating and speaking functions.
  • Bone Graft—If bone loss has occurred in your jaw, then a maxillofacial surgeon can help restore your jaw mass. This procedure may especially be necessary for dental implant surgery.
  • Periodontal Surgery—Diseases affecting your gums need to be treated immediately. In these cases, periodontal surgery may be needed to thoroughly clean your gums and remove bacteria.
  • Orthognathic Surgery—Skeletal problems in your jaw can result in pain, facial distortion, and chewing problems. Orthognathic surgery can help correct any problems in your jaw.

What to Expect When Visiting an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

If you are suffering from any face, jaw, or mouth pain, then you can see a maxillofacial surgeon to resolve the issue. The surgeon will start by evaluating and diagnosing the problem. 

Once the issue is found, the surgeon will then find the best course of action to treat it. This may simply involve prescribing medication, or it may require a form of surgery. 

Regardless, the oral surgeon will walk you through the next steps and will ensure that you get the needed treatment.

Your surgeon will also help you learn more about what caused the issue in the first place and how to avoid it in the future. 

The good news is that if surgery is needed, maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in pain control and will use anesthesia when needed to ensure a painless experience. 

Find a “Mouth Surgeon Near Me” — Basking Ridge

Whether you are searching for “wisdom teeth near me” or have a different issue that needs to be addressed, our oral maxillofacial surgeons in Basking Ridge are ready to help.

If you have any questions or would like to consult with one of our oral surgeons, contact us today.