Key Takeaways
- Oral surgeons handle complex dental and jaw issues that go beyond routine care, such as extractions, implants, bone grafts, and facial injuries.
- Wisdom teeth removal is the most common reason people in Sherman Oaks first meet an oral surgeon, especially when the teeth are impacted or near nerves.
- Getting dental implants usually needs a skilled doctor. Sometimes, they may need to fix the bones to make sure everything works well.
- Jaw surgery and trauma repair fall strictly under oral surgeons, who have specialized training to restore function and appearance.
- You don’t always need a referral to see a specialist. However, starting with your general dentist can help you decide if you need surgery and keep your care organized.
Here’s the quick truth: not every dental problem needs a specialist, but some definitely do. If you’ve ever had wisdom teeth act up, thought about implants, or even dealt with a bad jaw injury, you’ve already brushed up against situations where oral surgeons come into the picture. Around Sherman Oaks, people often ask us, “Can my regular dentist handle this, or do I need a surgeon?” Let’s break that down in a way that actually makes sense.
So, what’s different about an oral surgeon anyway?
Think of it like this: your general dentist is your family doctor for teeth. They keep everything healthy, catch problems early, and handle the everyday stuff, cleanings, fillings, and crowns. Oral surgeons are more like the specialists you see when things get complicated.
They go through years of extra training after dental school, and their focus is surgery, inside the mouth, around the jaw, sometimes even parts of the face. If a tooth is badly impacted, if bone needs to be rebuilt, or if an accident messes up your jaw, that’s when a surgeon’s skills are necessary.
Wisdom teeth: the “first introduction” for most people
For a lot of Sherman Oaks teens and young adults, the first time they hear the words oral surgeon is when their wisdom teeth start making trouble. Maybe the gums hurt. Maybe the teeth are stuck sideways under the gums. Maybe they’re crowding other teeth.
Sometimes we can remove them right here at our office, no problem. But if the tooth is buried deep, tangled with nerves, or just plain stubborn? That’s when we bring in oral surgeons. They have the tools and training to make it safe. Nobody wants nerve damage or infections down the line, so it’s worth doing right the first time.
Dental implants and bone support
Let’s say you’ve lost a tooth. A lot of patients ask us about implants because they look and act like real teeth. The thing is, not everyone’s jaw is ready for one. If the bone is too thin or too soft, an implant won’t hold.
That’s where bone grafts come in. An oral surgeon can add bone, let it heal, and then place the implant securely. Some straightforward implant cases we handle ourselves, but when it’s complex, we team up with surgeons we trust here in Sherman Oaks. That way, patients don’t end up with a quick fix that fails after a couple of years.
Bigger bite problems: jaw surgery
This isn’t super common, but some patients really do need corrective jaw surgery. Maybe their bite is so far off that braces alone can’t fix it. Maybe their jaw position makes it hard to chew, breathe, or even speak clearly. That’s not a job for your everyday dentist; it’s a case for oral surgeons.
These procedures involve cutting and repositioning bone. Sounds intense, and it is, but for the right patient, it can completely change daily life for the better.
Accidents and injuries
We don’t like to think about it, but accidents happen, sports injuries, car crashes, and even a bad fall. If the jaw breaks or facial bones shift, oral surgeons are usually the ones on call at the hospital. They reset fractures, repair bone, and get you on the path to healing. In those moments, their skill isn’t just about teeth; it’s about restoring how your face looks and works.
How do you choose the right oral surgeon in Sherman Oaks?
This is where patients sometimes feel stuck. You’ve been told you need surgery, but how do you know who to trust? A few things make the decision easier:
- Ask how often they do the specific procedure you need. Experience matters.
- Check what kind of technology they use. Digital imaging and safe sedation options are huge pluses.
- Pay attention to how you feel in the consultation. Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel rushed?
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we work with local oral surgeons we know and trust. That way, our patients don’t have to roll the dice on someone they’ve never met.
Do you always need a referral?
Not always. Some patients go straight to oral surgeons because they know what they want, like implants or complex extractions. But honestly, it’s often smarter to start with your general dentist. We can confirm whether you need a surgeon or if the issue is simple to handle in-house. Saves time, saves money, and keeps your care organized.
What about the cost?
Let’s be real, surgical procedures aren’t cheap. Fillings and cleanings are one thing, but once you’re talking about implants, bone grafts, or wisdom teeth removal, the price goes up. The good news is that dental insurance usually covers a good portion of medically necessary surgeries, especially extractions. For other cases, like implants, coverage depends on your plan.
In our office, we walk patients through the insurance details before they book anything. Surprises aren’t fun when it comes to dental bills.
The Takeaway
Oral health isn’t just about brushing and flossing. Sometimes, teeth and jaws need special care. They handle more complex issues like wisdom teeth removal, implants, bone grafts, and jaw surgery, procedures that general dentists don’t do.
Here in Sherman Oaks, we make sure our patients know their options. Sometimes that means we do the work ourselves, and other times it means we send you to an oral surgeon we trust. Either way, you’re not left guessing or worrying.
If you’re dealing with pain, missing teeth, or your dentist says it’s time to see a specialist, don’t panic. The right oral surgeon can make the process smooth, safe, and, most importantly, successful.