Before searching for a reputable oral surgeon near you, it’s important that you know what an oral surgeon is and what he or she can do for you. An oral surgeon is a dentist with either a DDS (doctorate of dental science) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree plus an additional four to six years of hospital-based training in oral surgery and anesthesia.
The oral surgery designation is actually OMS, which stands for oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An OMS specializes in diagnosing and treating issues of the mouth, face, and jaws. Additionally, an OMS can administer general anesthesia without needing an anesthetist.
If you live or work near Atlanta, call 404-620-6643 to schedule an oral surgery consultation with one of our experienced oral surgeons. We have offices in both Atlanta and Dunwoody, and we serve patients of all ages.
Top Oral Surgery Procedures
Bone Grafts
When teeth are missing, the human body naturally determines that the jawbone doesn’t need the nutrition it once did. The body redirects bone-strengthening minerals to bones other than the jaws. This leads to jawbone deterioration over time. A bone graft restores bone density by implanting healthy bone where bone density has been lost. The jawbone integrates with the graft, strengthening the jaw. Healthy bone tissue is a prerequisite for dental implants.
Dental Implants (and All-on-Four)
In the past, patients could replace missing teeth with a traditional bridge, partial denture, or full denture. These prosthetics rely on healthy oral structures for support. In contrast, dental implants are small, biocompatible posts inserted into the jaw. A single implant supports a single tooth, while a few teeth can anchor a bridge, partial, or denture. In addition to providing maximum durability, dental implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent jawbone deterioration. All-on-Four is a procedure in which four dental implants hold a full top or bottom denture in place.General Tooth Grafting
We remove teeth damaged beyond repair, and we also offer replacement options. Teeth fail for many reasons, but infection (internal tooth infection or periodontal disease) and injury are two of the most common causes. After tooth removal, we urge patients to follow postoperative guidelines and, when the mouth is ready, replace lost teeth with a bridge, partial, denture, or dental implant.Impacted Tooth Exposure
You may be familiar with the term “impacted wisdom tooth,” but canines can also become impacted. Dental impaction means a tooth cannot fully develop, usually because it’s at a strange angle. The impacted tooth may harm neighboring teeth, become infected, and cause pain. To expose an impacted tooth, the oral surgeon cuts and moves gum tissue and overlying bone. Then, the tooth can be moved into proper alignment with orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth may be extracted after exposure.Oral Pathology
If a patient develops a sore, discolored patch of skin, mass, bump, or dramatic shifting of teeth, a disease might be to blame. Oral surgeons take biopsies to determine whether a disease is present. Finding and treating oral pathologies early can save the patient from potentially serious health complications.Pre-Prosthetic Exposure
This service includes exposing impacted teeth, reducing the alveolar ridge, removing excess bone or gum tissue, and reshaping the jaw bone to accommodate a traditional denture.Wisdom Teeth Removal
Humans no longer need wisdom teeth to chew hard foods, like nuts and roots. Our modern diet is primarily soft. While many people never need their wisdom teeth removed, others experience recurring toothaches and jaw pain until the third molars are extracted. Some people choose to have wisdom teeth removed even before they cause problems. Whether your wisdom teeth are fully developed, impacted, or unerupted, our oral surgeons can remove them.
9 Important Considerations When Searching for an Oral Surgeon Near You
In most cases, a general dentist refers a patient to an oral surgeon. However, people interested in wisdom teeth removal or dental implants don’t need a referral unless their insurance policy requires one.
It’s easy to conduct a quick Google Search and find a list of oral surgeons near you. But how can you know which one is the right oral surgeon for you and your loved ones? The following considerations will help you funnel out a trusted, reputable oral surgeon who can comfortably and conveniently provide the services you need.
Consider an opinion you trust: When it comes to oral surgery, trust is extremely important! Ask your general dentist’s front office staff for a referral to an oral surgeon near you. Oftentimes, a general dentist’s office will recommend an oral surgeon the dentist knows and trusts. They may even help you find an oral surgeon who accepts your insurance plan.
Consider training and experience: Look at the oral surgeon’s website, specifically the About page and the Before and After Gallery. What training does he or she have? Look for affiliations with reputable organizations like the American Dental Association, as well as state and local organizations. How long has the doctor been performing oral surgery? Are the doctor’s before and after pictures of prior patient cases impressive?
Consider costs: Conduct a search on your dental insurance company’s website to find an oral surgeon near you who accepts your insurance. Also, look at the practice’s website to learn about payment plans and financing options, if you won’t pay in full at the time of your appointment. CareCredit is a leader in patient financing, and qualified applicants can get low- or no-interest monthly payment plans.
Consider reputation: Read Google reviews. Check out the doctor’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn accounts. What do the oral surgeon’s actual patients have to say about their experience? Here’s a review of Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta:
“Excellent experience with everyone in the office my wife and I came in contact with. Fast, friendly, professional, painless and couldn’t give a higher review.” - Don Barry (5-star Google Review)
Consider the location: Where will the oral surgeon near you perform your procedure? In some cases, oral surgeons perform surgery in their dental office. More complex surgeries may be done at a hospital. Ask which hospital(s) the oral surgeon has privileges at. You want the specialist’s office and hospital in which he has privileges to be conveniently located near your home, if at all possible.
Consider convenience: What hours is the oral surgery office open? Is parking a problem? How long will you have to wait for a consultation? A procedure? Great oral surgeons may have a significant waiting list, but if you aren’t in pain, the surgeon might be worth the wait. If pain is an issue, you may want to find an oral surgeon near you with immediate appointments available.
Consider comfort: Will you be given sedation or anesthesia or both for your procedure? What other amenities does the oral surgery office offer to help you feel comfortable and confident during procedures?
Consider accessibility: After surgery, you’ll be given post-operative instructions to follow at home during your recovery. While obeying the doctor’s directions can reduce the risks of infection and post-operative pain, if you experience either, you’ll need to contact your oral surgeon for assistance. So it’s important to ask, what is the surgeon’s protocol for after-hours emergencies?
Consider the first impression: You might want to drop by the surgeon’s office unannounced, just to experience the environment and staff firsthand before scheduling a procedure. If you like what you see, schedule a consultation while you’re there. If you don’t have time to spare, just remember that once you’re at an appointment, if you feel uncomfortable with the surgeon or staff, you can leave.
The Oral Surgeon Near You in Atlanta
If you live or work in Atlanta or Dunwoody, consider Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta. With two locations to serve patients, Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta offers a wide range of procedures, as well as contemporary tools and technology for accurate diagnostics and comfortable procedures. Call 404-620-6643 now to schedule your consultation.
