Frequently Asked Oral Surgery Questions
Most people don’t really think about oral surgery until their dentist brings it up, and then they’re full of questions! At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we’re more than happy to answer them so you can begin your treatment with peace of mind. Below, we’ve already answered some frequently asked oral surgery questions, but if there is anything else you’d like to know about, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always glad to talk to you and make sure you have all the knowledge you need.
What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a dentist?
The easiest distinction is training. In order to become a general dentist, a person needs to complete a four-year dental program at a university, but in order to become a board-certified oral surgeon, that dentist then needs to undergo three to four years of specialty training that specifically focuses on oral and maxillofacial surgery. This gives them a skill and familiarity with procedures like extractions and implant placement a general dentist just won’t have.
Will my oral surgery hurt?
Thanks to modern-day analgesics and dental sedation, all types of procedures can be completed both quickly and comfortably. Our team of doctors has extensive training in sedation, meaning you’re guaranteed to have a calm and cool experience with us. During a procedure, you likely won’t feel anything! Afterward, a little swelling and soreness are normal, but that should fade away after just a few days.
Do I really need to replace my missing teeth?
Absolutely! Even a single missing tooth can compromise the integrity of the entire smile by making the remaining teeth more likely to shift and misalign. Patients with missing teeth are also more vulnerable to developing gum disease, which in itself is the leading cause of tooth loss in the US! Instead, we can replace any number of absent teeth with state-of-the-art dental implants, which both look great and can be trusted to last a lifetime.
When should the wisdom teeth come out?
This will be different from person to person. While most require their wisdom teeth to be removed at one point, sometimes the teeth can erupt without issue. The best thing a patient can do is attend regular checkups with their dentist, during which they’ll keep an eye on the wisdom teeth. Should any problems arise, they’ll likely send you our way so we can take care of them before they cause any major issues!
Will I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
This depends on the strength and density of your jawbone. Our team can evaluate it when you come to see us for a consultation, and based on our observations, we’ll recommend a bone graft or not. We can provide this ourselves as well as dental implant placement to help you save time while rebuilding your smile.
Do you take dental insurance?
Yes, our practice is in-network with several popular dental insurance providers, and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can use your benefits to help you save on an upcoming procedure. Just give us a call today.