“How should I choose an oral or maxillofacial surgeon?”
I recently knocked out two of my teeth in the front, and now I need to get them replaced. My dentist recommended an oral surgeon to help me with this. What should I look for in choosing an oral surgeon?
3 Answers
OralandMaxillofacialSurgeonMissingTeeth
Your information given doesn't say whether you are seeking dental implants. I'm going to infer that you are indeed looking for an oral surgeon who places dental implants. Dental implants are a multi-procedure process, including the surgical anchor (endosteal implant) which holds the abutment, the peg or post (dental abutment) which holds the tooth, and the artificial tooth (crown or cap). This is my recommendation:
Oral surgeons are likely the best dental professionals to place the surgical portion of an implant into your maxilla (upper jaw). Their training in this is incredible and the standard of care these days is very high for oral surgeons. That being said, they are NOT restorative dentists. I would prefer to think that you have a "home" dentist, someone you see and trust for your dental needs on a routine basis. Restoring two lost front teeth is more than just a trip to the oral surgeon and popping in two implants. What type of accident occurred? Is the jaw bone sound enough to handle two implanted teeth? What color (shade) are your teeth? Is the oral surgeon colorblind? Do you want these two teeth the same color as your existing teeth or want a complete smile makeover and improve ALL of your front teeth? Oral surgeons are NOT the first dentists to see for restoring your smile, but are a vital part of an important group solution to your lost teeth. Seek out a licensed and experienced general dentist, and then work with him to get your front teeth fixed properly. In my office I work in conjunction with an oral surgeon to surgically place the implants into the bone and then allow them adequate (4-6 months) to integrate (lock) into the bone before placing any permanent crowns. In the interim there are different techniques to give you a temporary smile until your permanent crowned implants are fabricated. Go online and seek out implant information to get a better idea of how they work and what makes them successful. Best wishes.
Oral surgeons are likely the best dental professionals to place the surgical portion of an implant into your maxilla (upper jaw). Their training in this is incredible and the standard of care these days is very high for oral surgeons. That being said, they are NOT restorative dentists. I would prefer to think that you have a "home" dentist, someone you see and trust for your dental needs on a routine basis. Restoring two lost front teeth is more than just a trip to the oral surgeon and popping in two implants. What type of accident occurred? Is the jaw bone sound enough to handle two implanted teeth? What color (shade) are your teeth? Is the oral surgeon colorblind? Do you want these two teeth the same color as your existing teeth or want a complete smile makeover and improve ALL of your front teeth? Oral surgeons are NOT the first dentists to see for restoring your smile, but are a vital part of an important group solution to your lost teeth. Seek out a licensed and experienced general dentist, and then work with him to get your front teeth fixed properly. In my office I work in conjunction with an oral surgeon to surgically place the implants into the bone and then allow them adequate (4-6 months) to integrate (lock) into the bone before placing any permanent crowns. In the interim there are different techniques to give you a temporary smile until your permanent crowned implants are fabricated. Go online and seek out implant information to get a better idea of how they work and what makes them successful. Best wishes.
I don't understand why you need an oral surgeon at this time. When the teeth were knocked out were there root fragments left behind? Who is the restorative dentist responsible for the replacement of these teeth? Has anyone given you treatment options? You will need a flipper [removable appliance] so you'll have teeth in place as the gum heals. Are you looking to get a fixed bridge or implants. If you decide on implants then you will need a relationship with either an oral surgeon or periodontist for the placement of the implants. The titanium posts will need to be crowned by a general dentist or prosthodontist. Find a general dentist to coordinate your treatment and review your options. A friend or family can recommend someone or call your dental insurance company [if relevant] to see who participates in your plan. You need to be treated by someone you feel comfortable with and you trust.
Your dentist will usually have an oral surgeon they trust and have worked with in the past
