Why Choose Board-Certified Oral Surgeons
When you visit our New City dental practice, you can expect the highest level of professionalism and compassion. Our board-certified oral surgeons in New City bring years of training and are committed to providing the full scope of oral surgery procedures. We understand that surgical procedures can cause concerns, and our team works to create a calm and pleasant environment throughout your visit.
What Is the Difference Between Periodontics and Oral Surgery?
There is significant overlap between periodontics and oral surgery procedures. A board-certified periodontist performs multiple surgical procedures, including gum grafting, crown lengthening, and periodontal surgery.
An oral surgeon in New City, NY, performs complex wisdom tooth removal, oral pathology, and surgery involving facial trauma and fractures. The overlap includes procedures such as moderate sedation, tooth extractions, jaw bone grafting, and dental implant surgery.
While a periodontist oversees and treats all periodontal and implant conditions, an oral surgeon performs only the surgical aspect. While an oral surgeon performs surgeries throughout the mouth, including jaw joints, a periodontist focuses on surgeries related to the gums, jawbone, and dental implants.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
The scope of oral surgery in New City covers the full range of surgical procedures, which we evaluate on an individual basis. We explain the most common oral surgery procedures and the distinguishing skills of an oral surgeon.
Extractions of Every Kind, Including Wisdom Teeth Removal
Simple tooth extractions involve teeth in relatively normal positions in the mouth. Oral surgeons in New City also extract teeth in very difficult positions.
This includes situations like wisdom tooth extraction when teeth are embedded in the jawbone or extra (supernumerary) teeth in a child’s jaw. Many patients are referred to us for wisdom teeth removal procedures performed by our trained surgeons. An oral surgeon often removes all teeth in preparation for dentures or implants.
Growths inside the mouth are relatively common, and most are not cancerous. Oral biopsies serve two purposes: determining what tissue causes the overgrowth and removing it.
There are many different types of growths in the gums and jawbone occurring in both children and adults. Oral surgeons in New City work with pathologists to obtain specific diagnoses on oral growths and advise on the best treatment approach.
If a biopsy confirms a cancerous growth, the oral surgeon serves as the first contact in oral cancer treatment. Treatment typically involves working with both an oral surgeon and an oncologist for optimal outcomes. The surgeon removes any cancerous areas and coordinates necessary chemotherapy and radiation with an oncologist, utilizing hospital privileges when needed.
IV Sedation to Support Patient Comfort
Many patients choose sedation for their dental surgeries, and oral surgeons have the training and certifications to sedate patients in the office. IV sedation procedures allow the surgeon to keep you perfectly comfortable throughout the procedure and minimize anxiety.
This is commonly used for wisdom tooth removal and dental implant procedures. Our surgeons provide this option for anxious or fearful patients. Other dental professionals, like periodontists and endodontists, can also provide this option.
Management of Complicated Medical Problems
The additional medical training of board-certified oral surgeons makes them the right professionals to handle patients with complicated medical histories. Patients taking multiple prescription medications to treat multiple medical conditions have a higher risk of post-operative complications and surgical failures.
The conditions themselves or the drugs used to treat them can affect and impair the body’s ability to heal, making surgeries more stressful on the body. Closely monitoring the healing process and intervening when complications arise is within an oral surgeon’s full scope of practice.
Treatment of Atypical Infections
Most dental infections are very straightforward. They result from cavities or gum disease, and traditional treatments work to stop the infection. In rare cases, an infection does not respond to traditional therapies and requires more intensive investigation and treatment. The oral surgeon’s advanced medical education prepares them to evaluate and treat atypical infections.
Facial Trauma and Emergency Oral Surgery
Our board-certified oral surgeons in Rockland County have the training needed for facial trauma cases, including fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries resulting from accidents. With hospital privileges, our surgeons provide immediate support for emergency cases, working to restore both function and aesthetics following traumatic injuries. We advise prompt evaluation following any facial trauma to minimize long-term complications.
Oral Surgery Services We Offer
Our New City practice offers the full range of oral surgery services, from routine wisdom teeth extraction procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries. We take time to evaluate each patient’s unique needs and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or are seeking a second opinion, we’re committed to providing quality care. Don’t let dental concerns go untreated. Our team is ready to support you through every step of your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?
While many patients arrive after a referral from their general dentist, a referral is not always required. If you have been told you need a complex extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or evaluation of an unusual growth in your mouth, you are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Our team will review your situation and coordinate with your dentist as appropriate to ensure continuity of care.
Does a tooth extraction remove the root?
Yes. A standard tooth extraction removes both the visible crown of the tooth and the root structure beneath the gum line. In a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened and removed in one piece along with its root. In surgical extractions, which are needed when a tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, or has curved or complex roots, the oral surgeon may section the tooth or remove a small amount of surrounding bone to safely extract the entire tooth, including all root material. Leaving root fragments behind can lead to infection and complications, so complete removal is always the goal.
What is wisdom teeth removal, and when is it necessary?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough space in their jaw to accommodate them, leading to impaction, meaning the tooth becomes trapped beneath the gum or within the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, crowding of adjacent teeth, and damage to neighboring roots (which could prompt a root amputation). Removal is recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, causing symptoms, or at risk of creating problems in the future. Our oral surgery team performs wisdom tooth extractions at all levels of complexity, including teeth deeply embedded in the jawbone.
What is IV sedation, and is it safe for dental procedures?
IV sedation involves administering sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a vein, producing a deeply relaxed state throughout the procedure. Patients remain technically conscious but are unlikely to remember the procedure afterward and experience minimal anxiety. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained and certified to administer IV sedation in an office setting, and it is routinely used for wisdom tooth removal and dental implant placement. When performed by a qualified surgical team with proper monitoring equipment, IV sedation is safe and highly effective for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
What is an oral biopsy, and should I be concerned?
An oral biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a growth, sore, or unusual area in the mouth and sent to a pathologist for analysis. Most oral growths are benign, but a biopsy is the only definitive way to determine whether a lesion is cancerous, precancerous, or entirely harmless. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs biopsies as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment, since the growth is often fully removed during the procedure. If a biopsy reveals a cancerous finding, the surgeon coordinates with an oncologist and can utilize hospital privileges when additional treatment is necessary. Early detection through biopsy significantly improves outcomes.
What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, but most patients experience some degree of swelling, mild discomfort, and limited activity for the first few days following surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions, which typically include dietary guidelines, restrictions on physical activity, and guidance on managing discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Following these instructions carefully is important for proper healing and reducing the risk of complications such as infection or dry socket after an extraction. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week, though more complex procedures may require a longer recovery period.
When should I see an oral surgeon instead of my general dentist?
Your general dentist will often identify situations that require a specialist and refer you accordingly, but some scenarios are clear indicators that oral surgery involvement is appropriate. These include impacted wisdom teeth, complex or surgical extractions, unusual growths or lesions in the mouth, jaw pain or dysfunction, facial injuries, or the need for IV sedation during a procedure. Patients with complicated medical histories or those taking multiple medications that affect healing are also best served by an oral surgeon’s advanced medical training. To discuss whether oral surgery is right for your situation, contact Rockland Dental Specialists and schedule a consultation with our team.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation at Rockland Dental Specialists
If your dentist finds signs of any issues requiring the skills of an oral surgeon, prompt treatment is vital. Rockland Dental Specialists offers state-of-the-art dental care in the New City, NY area.
Board-certified endodontists Dr. Lisa Nava Cohen and Dr. Rachel Snyder, and board-certified periodontist and implantologist Dr. Shalom Mintz are here to bring you the dental care you need with their more than two decades of combined training. They are passionate about helping patients resolve their gum disease and maintain their overall oral health. We offer complimentary insurance verifications and flexible payment plans to meet your individual needs. Contact us today at (845) 259-2500 to speak with one of our team members about the oral surgery services we offer.
