Problems with the teeth and gums can be very complex, and often may require a unique kind of oral surgeon or specialist. In most cases, these dental specialists are contacted as they generally deal with more serious dental issues and provide various and extensive surgical services based on their area of specialty and patient need. Oral surgeons may also be called on to handle various tasks, such as diagnosing and treating an injury, or repairing a functional defect of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Learn more below.
Endodontist
Many patients need a root canal, and an endodontist is the dental specialist who may be called in for this procedure. They understand the pathology, morphology, and physiology of dental pulp and its related tissues. This includes diseases and trauma that affect the pulp and periarticular tissues.
Prosthodontist
Broken and missing teeth have a major impact on a person’s smile. A prosthodontist is trained to deal with restoring and replacing teeth using a variety of techniques, most of which are designed to try and save as many natural teeth as possible. They also treat patients suffering from a range of disorders such as sleep apnea and TMJ.
Orthodontist
Numerous individuals suffer from irregularities of the mouth and may be referred to an orthodontist. This specialist focuses on the prevention, development, and correction of these problems, and they address the teeth, jaws, and person’s bite. Furthermore, orthodontists diagnose and treat jaw disorders and facial abnormalities.
Periodontist
A person suffering from a gum disease may need to see a periodontist. They treat problems of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is a specialist who is trained to perform complex surgeries, including dental implants. Furthermore, since OMSs have also studied medicine and anesthesiology, they have the extensive training and expertise necessary to take on tasks such as removing teeth (dental extractions) that are impacted, as well as performing surgical reconstruction of the face when necessary. After these surgeons complete their surgical medical residency program, they are licensed to administer any level of anesthesia required. What makes our team at the Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston uniquely stand out is that all our surgeons and specialists are trained in both medicine and dentistry.
Patients are referred to this kind of specialist by their dentist. When an oral surgeon is needed, the oral maxillofacial surgeon is called for anything an oral surgeon may be trained to do, and more. For example, if a person requires surgery for a cleft lip/palate, has a misaligned bite, needs teeth extracted- with or without bone grafting, needs teeth replaced with implants, or has a growth or an oral tumor, an OMS is called. A physician may also refer a patient suffering from sleep apnea to this specialized dental surgeon as well.
The Houston Oral Surgeons of OMSH (Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston) are highly trained and specialized in the area of surgical dentistry. Connect with our office today at 832.509.4505 for an appointment.
