Beyond Tooth Extraction: Surprising Procedures Only an Oral Surgeon Can Perform

When you think of oral surgeons, tooth extractions might be the first thing that comes to mind—but their expertise extends far beyond that. Oral surgeons are highly trained specialists capable of performing a wide range of procedures that can transform oral health and overall well-being. 

From correcting jaw misalignments to addressing complex facial injuries, their skills go beyond what general dentists can typically provide. These specialists also play a critical role in preparing patients for dental implants, managing oral cancers, and even improving sleep disorders through advanced surgical techniques. 

Each procedure they perform is carefully tailored to restore function, alleviate pain, and enhance quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the lesser-known but equally vital procedures oral surgeons handle, shedding light on their crucial role in comprehensive dental and medical care. Their work may surprise you, but its impact is truly life-changing.

What procedures can only an oral surgeon perform beyond tooth extraction?

Oral surgeons are trained to perform complex procedures beyond simple tooth extractions, utilizing specialized skills and advanced techniques. Here are procedures only an oral surgeon can typically perform:

• Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Used to correct jaw misalignments, improve facial symmetry, and address functional issues like bite problems and sleep apnea. 
• Bone Grafting: Essential for patients with insufficient jawbone structure, bone grafting prepares the site for dental implants and supports long-term stability. 
• Dental Implants: While general dentists may place implants, oral surgeons handle complex cases, particularly when significant bone loss or anatomical challenges occur.  
• Facial Trauma Repair: Oral surgeons are equipped to treat facial fractures, soft tissue injuries, and jaw realignments after accidents, restoring both function and appearance. 
• Removal of Cysts and Tumors: Oral surgeons can surgically remove benign cysts, tumors, or growths within the mouth, jaw, and facial area, ensuring a safe and effective approach. 
• TMJ Surgery: Oral surgeons can perform corrective surgery to relieve pain and improve jaw function in patients with severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. 

These specialized procedures require an oral surgeon’s expertise, advanced training, and understanding of facial anatomy to ensure optimal patient outcomes and safety.  

How do oral surgeons treat complex facial injuries and fractures? 

Oral surgeons are specially trained to manage complex facial injuries and fractures, restoring both function and aesthetics with precision. Here’s how they approach these treatments: 

• Comprehensive Assessment: Oral surgeons start by thoroughly assessing the extent of facial injuries through clinical examinations and advanced imaging, such as CT scans, to map out fractures and soft tissue damage.  
• Stabilization of Fractures: For broken jawbones, cheekbones, or eye sockets, oral surgeons use techniques like open reduction and internal fixation, which involve repositioning bones and securing them with plates, screws, or wires to ensure proper alignment and healing.  
• Soft Tissue Repair: Alongside bone stabilization, oral surgeons repair soft tissue injuries, including lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and gums. This meticulous stitching minimizes scarring and preserves facial appearance.  
• Jaw Realignment and Bite Correction: For jaw injuries, surgeons may perform procedures to realign the jaw and restore proper bite function, reducing the risk of long-term complications like TMJ disorders.  
• Reconstructive Surgery: In cases of severe trauma, surgeons may perform reconstructive procedures to restore facial structure, using bone grafts if necessary to rebuild missing or damaged bone.  
• Follow-Up Care: Oral surgeons provide extensive post-operative care, guiding patients through healing, managing pain, and monitoring for complications to ensure full recovery and optimal function.    

What makes oral surgeons qualified to handle jaw realignment surgeries?

Oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform jaw realignment surgeries due to their specialized training, expertise, and in-depth understanding of facial and jaw anatomy. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Extensive Education and Training: Oral surgeons complete a rigorous education path, including four years of dental school and several years of surgical residency focused on head, neck, and jaw procedures. This comprehensive training equips them with the skills to handle complex surgical cases.  
• Specialized Surgical Residency: During residency, oral surgeons gain hands-on experience in corrective jaw procedures, learning advanced techniques for reshaping and realigning the jaw to improve bite function, facial symmetry, and breathing issues.   
• Deep Understanding of Facial Anatomy: Oral surgeons’ detailed knowledge of facial and jaw structures allows them to plan and execute precise jaw adjustments. They understand the critical balance between aesthetics and function, ensuring results that enhance appearance and jaw health.   
• Advanced Surgical Techniques: Oral surgeons are trained in state-of-the-art techniques such as orthognathic surgery, which involves realigning the upper and lower jaws. This training ensures they can address complex cases, from congenital jaw misalignments to trauma-induced deformities.   
• Collaborative Approach: Oral surgeons often work with orthodontists and other specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan, ensuring that jaw realignment integrates seamlessly with other dental and facial corrections for optimal results.  

Can oral surgeons perform procedures to address sleep apnea and breathing issues?

Oral surgeons can perform specialized procedures to address sleep apnea and related breathing issues. These surgeries are particularly effective for patients who don’t respond well to traditional treatments like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. Here’s how oral surgeons help manage these conditions:  

• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery involves repositioning the upper and lower jaws to enlarge the airway and reduce obstructions that cause sleep apnea. Moving the jaws forward increases the airway space, which improves airflow and reduces apnea events.   
• Genioglossus Advancement (GA): In this procedure, the tongue muscle (genioglossus) is repositioned to prevent it from collapsing into the airway during sleep. This helps to maintain an open airway, especially for patients with tongue-based obstructions.   
• Soft Tissue Surgeries: For patients with soft tissue obstructions, oral surgeons can remove or reshape tissues in the throat and mouth that may be blocking the airway, such as the soft palate or excess tissue around the tonsils.    
• Collaborative Treatment Planning: Oral surgeons often work with sleep specialists and ENT doctors to ensure a comprehensive approach, tailoring surgical interventions to each patient’s unique anatomy and sleep disorder severity.   

These surgical solutions provide significant relief for those with sleep apnea, especially when other treatments are ineffective.   

Discover Specialized Oral Surgery Beyond Extractions!

At Village Smile Care, we go beyond standard extractions to offer specialized oral surgery tailored to meet complex dental needs. From corrective jaw surgery to procedures addressing sleep apnea and facial trauma, our skilled oral surgeons are equipped with the expertise to handle even the most advanced cases. 

Whether you’re seeking relief from TMJ issues, require bone grafting for implants, or need surgical solutions for breathing problems, we are here to provide personalized, comprehensive care. Discover how our specialized oral surgery services can transform oral health and well-being!