Here is a list of some of the not so recognized procedures that oral surgeons perform.
| 1. | Jaw surgery - Jaw surgery is needed for those patients whose jaw does not properly align or for whose teeth do not seem to fit together with the placement of the jaw. Jaw surgery works to correct a misaligned jaw in an effort to ensure that the teeth align properly and thus function as they should. |
| 2. | Sleep apnea - Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea struggle with low oxygen levels and disruptive sleep patterns. The results of this condition can lead to very dangerous cardiovascular side effects as well as excessive sleepiness throughout the day due to disrupted sleep. Treatment options include the use of a CPAP machine to increase the level of oxygen delivered through the nasal passages - Laser Assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUP - uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP) - and tightening of the soft palate by way of a radio-frequency probe. |
| 3. | Bone grafting - Bone grafting gives oral surgeons the ability to grow bone where needed. Bone grafting may be done to provide a solid structure of which to install a dental implant or to improve facial appearance. |
| 4. | Sinus lift - When the roots of the upper teeth extend into the sinus cavity an oral surgeon will remove the tooth or teeth, lift the sinus cavity by way of minor grafting and install a dental implant or implants. |
| 5. | Facial trauma - Oral surgeons are specially trained to handle and repair facial trauma such as: |
| • | Intraoral lacerations |
| • | Facial lacerations |
| • | Avulsed teeth (teeth that have been knocked out) |
| • | Fractured bones of the face (including eye socket, cheek and nose) |
| • | Fractured upper or lower jaw |
Please contact us if you have any questions about your oral surgeon.
