Picture this: you’re sitting in your dentist’s chair for what you thought would be a routine check-up, and you hear those three little words that make your stomach drop: “oral surgery referral.” Before you start googling “how to live on smoothies forever,” take a deep breath. Being referred to an oral surgeon doesn’t necessarily mean your dental situation is dire; it simply means your dentist wants to ensure you receive the most specialized and expert care possible for your specific needs.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we understand that being referred to an oral surgeon can feel overwhelming. But we’re here to help. Our team has been serving the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake communities for over 17 years, treating every patient like family and helping countless individuals navigate their oral surgery procedures with confidence and comfort.
Complex Tooth Extractions
Not all tooth extractions are created equal. While your general dentist can handle routine extractions, certain situations require the advanced training and expertise of an oral surgeon. Think of it like this: your family doctor can handle a basic cut, but you’d want a surgeon for your appendix removal. The same principle applies to your oral health.
If you have impacted teeth, severely damaged roots, or teeth positioned in a way that puts them dangerously close to nerves and sinuses, your dentist will likely recommend a specialist. These situations require precision, specialized instruments, and the kind of training that comes with years of surgical experience.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common reasons for referral, and for good reason. When wisdom teeth lack sufficient space to grow properly, they become impacted and can cause pain, infection, swelling, or damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Oral surgeons are also better equipped to handle complications during tooth extractions. For example, dry socket is a condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the blood clot is displaced, leaving bone and nerves exposed. Oral surgeons have the expertise to minimize these risks and handle other complications should they arise.
When Missing Teeth Need Advanced Solutions
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, your dentist might refer you for dental implants, which have become the gold standard for tooth replacement. Unlike dentures that sit on top of your gums or bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants require surgical placement directly into the jawbone, making this procedure fall squarely within an oral surgeon’s expertise.
The process isn’t as scary as it might sound. Modern dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, making them one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. However, this success depends on proper surgical technique, precise placement, and thorough understanding of bone and tissue healing – all areas where oral surgeons excel.
Sometimes, patients need additional procedures like bone grafting before implant placement. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, your jawbone may have deteriorated and need strengthening to fully support an implant. Think of bone grafting as laying a strong foundation before building a house; it’s an essential step that ensures long-term success.
Addressing Oral Health Concerns Beyond Routine Care
Your mouth can develop several conditions that require specialized attention beyond what routine dental care can provide.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology issues, such as unusual growths, persistent sores, or suspicious lesions, need expert evaluation and treatment. While most oral abnormalities turn out to be benign, early detection and proper treatment of potentially serious conditions can make a substantial difference in your overall health outcomes.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries from accidents or sports also require immediate specialized care. When trauma affects your teeth, jaw, or facial bones, an oral surgeon has the training to properly assess and treat these complex injuries, often coordinating with other medical specialists to ensure comprehensive care. We’ve seen everything from sports-related injuries to car accident trauma, and having the right specialist makes all the difference in both healing and final results.
TMJ Disorder and Sleep Apnea
TMJ disorders and sleep apnea are other conditions that may require surgical intervention when conservative treatments haven’t provided relief. These conditions can significantly impact your quality of life, and oral surgeons can offer surgical solutions when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
The Safety and Expertise Advantage
Here’s something that might surprise you: general dentists are skilled professionals, but oral surgeons complete an additional four years of hospital-based residency training after dental school, specializing specifically in surgical procedures of the mouth, face, and jaw. This extensive training means they’re better equipped to handle complex cases and potential complications that may occur during surgery.
Many oral surgeons, including our team, maintain hospital privileges and are able to perform procedures in hospital settings when necessary. This additional layer of safety ensures that patients with special medical needs or those requiring extensive procedures receive the most appropriate level of care. We don’t take unnecessary risks; if we feel a patient would be safer in a hospital setting, that’s exactly where we’ll treat them.
Trust Your Hometown Oral Surgeons at Goodove Oral Surgery
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we’ve built our reputation on providing exceptional, personalized care while maintaining the hometown touch that sets us apart from corporate practices. Our board-certified surgeons combine advanced training with genuine compassion, ensuring that even the most anxious patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.
We understand that nobody wants to need oral surgery, but when you do, you deserve care from specialists who will treat you like family. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or treatment for other oral health concerns, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with patience and expertise. Contact our Virginia Beach office at (757) 412-2002, our Chesapeake location at (757) 819-7002, or visit our website to schedule your consultation today.
