An oral maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) treats an array of medical conditions dealing with the skull, jaws, face, mouth, and especially the teeth. Yet, this simple list overlooks the very benefits that can only come from being under the professional care of an OMS. The team at OMSH is uniquely qualified and trained to offer patients on-site surgical care with various anesthesia options. The following offers vital and insightful information about the specialized treatment plans and services that patients can receive from the oral maxillofacial surgeons of Houston.
OMSs Provide Services Beyond General Oral Surgery
When it comes to the hard bone and soft tissues of the face and mouth, the dental practitioners of OMSH can pretty much treat it all. They are trained to treat and perform surgical procedures on all the bones of the skull, jaws, and teeth, along with most of the tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues. However, they do not treat areas of the brain, throat, or eyes. Due to this fact, an OMS’s realm of treatment expertise goes beyond that of general oral surgery, as they can do far more.
They Provide Dental Implants
Most dentists work in conjunction with an OMS to offer dental implant services to patients. When existing teeth need to be replaced, or if patients have missing or failing teeth, it would be recommended to see an OMS to be considered and examined for dental implants. OMSs not only will consult and examine patients, but also perform implant surgery to help the patient regain their smile and restore the functionality of their teeth and mouth. Missing teeth are replaced with high-quality titanium implants that serve as new roots for each tooth. Follow-up care with an OMS ensures the full integration of the implant within the patient’s jawbone. When the fusion is complete, matching crowns are added to the posts to look and function exactly as original teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The extensive residency and training requirements of an OMS make them very qualified to safely remove problematic wisdom teeth with great skill and expertise. This, along with OMSH’s extensive training and specialized equipment, means that wisdom teeth can be extracted with less pain, faster healing, and with fewer complications. Patients of all ages can take comfort in knowing that their vitals are constantly monitored once anesthesia has been given.
Oral Reconstructive Surgery
Widespread decay and damage to teeth, a misaligned jaw or upper palate, as well as gingivitis and problematic issues of the gums and teeth, may mean that a person’s best option is some kind of oral reconstructive surgery, including gum surgery, or orthognathic surgery, etc. During these procedures, teeth may be extracted, some may be crowned or replaced with implants, problematic areas along the gums may be sterilized, removed and repaired; and bones along the jawline and mouth may be reconstructed and aligned during this type of surgery. Oral reconstructive surgeries are miraculous procedures that allow patients to have a smile they never thought possible. And ultimately, to help patients determine best options, these types of extensive surgeries should only be considered through clinical assessment and careful consultation with the surgeons of OMSH.
Emergency Trauma Services
After an accident involving facial and oral injuries and trauma, an OMS will assess the nature and severity of those injuries before providing the necessary treatment. In many cases, this will involve surgical reconstruction and treatment to repair damage and trauma that has been sustained in the mouth. When a patient’s teeth are missing, and facial bones are fractured, an OMS stabilizes the bones and returns the teeth to their proper positions when possible. An oral maxillofacial surgeon plays a crucial role in helping patients keep their teeth and restore their facial appearance after an accident.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Cancers
If a general dentist finds signs of cancer in or around the mouth, he or she will refer patients to an OMS for diagnosis and prompt treatment. With care from an oral maxillofacial surgeon, a cancer patient may be able to prevent the spread of the disease.
While a general dentist and traditional oral surgeon can provide a broad range of dental care, an OMS’s treatment responsibilities are more widespread. Oral maxillofacial surgeons help patients with medical and aesthetic issues that go beyond the scope of a general dentist’s knowledge, and their training allows them to take on highly complex cases. Every practitioner at OMSH is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; and because of that, patients can rest assured that they’re always in very capable hands. For more information about our full range of dental services at OMSH browse online, or call us at 832-509-4505 to schedule a consultation.
