When oral health problems arise, a general dentist may seem like the best professional for the job. But if you are suffering from more than a standard toothache, you may need the help of a specialist known as an oral surgeon. To help you know when to see these professionals, here are a few common situations when you may need oral surgery. 

What Common Types of Procedures Does an Oral Surgeon Provide?

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is one of the most common reasons why people see oral surgeons. In some cases, a general dentist may be qualified to pull a single tooth that has been too damaged or infected to be restored. However, more complex procedures—such as wisdom teeth removal or extractions that require sedation dentistry—often require the specialized care of an oral surgeon.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is another common procedure performed by oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. For example, you may require jaw surgery if you have persistent TMJ discomfort, an underbite or overbite, or experienced a traumatic facial injury. With precision and gentle care, this oral surgery often involves intentionally breaking and resetting jaw bones. After healing, the jaw should be able to open and close to allow for more comfortable chewing and speaking.

Dental Implants

When teeth are lost or extracted, leaving the space open can gradually impact the look and health of your smile. Specifically, a missing tooth will cause surrounding teeth to shift, and in turn, lead to cosmetic and alignment issues. Fortunately, these issues can be prevented with the help of dental implants.

Dental implants are a type of prosthetic designed to permanently replace the entire tooth-and-root structure. These devices are implanted through a multi-part oral surgery that involves placing a titanium post into the gum and allowing it to fuse together with the jaw. Once stabilized, a custom dental crown is affixed to the post—providing a realistic tooth that appears and functions just as a natural one.

If your dentist has identified an issue that requires an invasive procedure, you can find the specialized care you need through the Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, LLC. Led by Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway, this well-equipped clinic provides both minor and complex treatments—including tooth extraction, dental implants, and jaw surgery. Whatever the procedure, you can trust that these specialists will provide comfortable and reliable care to help you smile again with comfort and confidence. Visit these Anchorage, AK, oral surgeons online to learn more about the services they offer, or call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a convenient consultation.