Oral Surgery Specialists
This specialism is concerned with surgical treatment for diseases of the teeth, mouth and jaws. This is the opposite of oral medicine.
Oral medicine deals with medical related issues of the mouth and jaws.
An oral surgeon will diagnose and surgically treat any injuries, illnesses or diseases related to the teeth, jaws and mouth. One such example is a tooth extraction.
An oral surgeon is usually employed as a hospital consultant although some work in community dental clinics or private practice.
There are a wide range of surgical procedures but the most common by far is the tooth extraction. This can be carried out under a local or general anaesthetic and involves using such instruments as elevators and forceps.
A tooth extraction is performed if a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. It is often carried out as part of a programme of orthodontic treatment. For example, if you have too many teeth in your jaw – a condition known as ‘overcrowding’ then some of these will have to be removed to ease the pressure on the others.
If a tooth is extremely difficult to remove, due to their angle or position then it may be necessary to access the tooth via a small incision in the gum. This enables the surgeon to create a flap through which he/she can view the bone underneath the tooth. This makes the extraction so much easier.
Other surgical procedures include inserting dental implants, removing cysts and performing a biopsy.
An oral surgery specialist/oral surgeon has to have completed at least 2 years postgraduate training as well as one year’s clinical experience. Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) or Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) is desirable but not mandatory.
Dental Specialists Guide Index:
- Dental and maxillofacial radiology Specialists
- Dental public health Specialists
- Endodontic Specialists
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology Specialists
- Oral medicine Specialists
- Oral microbiology Specialists
- Oral surgery Specialists
- Orthodontic Specialists
- Paediatric dentistry Specialists
- Periodontic Specialists
- Prosthodontic Specialists
- Restorative dentistry Specialists
- Special care dentistry Specialists