Finding the Best Oral Surgeon close to me

Now, is the time where a patient and their family opt to take opinion of the most trained expertise in the field. An oral and maxillofacial is a trained expert for the issues of the teeth, mouth and jaw. Oral Surgeon close to me in Mumbai are plenty. Then how would one choose for the right oral surgeon for them. This article is for anyone who wants to visit an oral surgeon in Mumbai, but is confused. This guide will provide insights into the expertise of oral surgeons, the procedures they perform, and key considerations when selecting an oral cancer surgeon or dentist in Mumbai.

There are many super-specialities in dentistry. Out of the 8 super specialities, Oral & Maxillofacial surgery is the only one where the dentist is trained enough not only in dental issues but also to manage people with special needs and issues. Issues arising out of old age, severe pathologies and medical complications can also managed by a trained oral surgeon.

Understand Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dentistry has multiple specializations, and oral & maxillofacial surgery is among the most advanced. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons undergo extensive training beyond dental school. In India, a general dentist completes five years of education, whereas an oral and maxillofacial surgeon undergoes an additional three years of specialization.

Oral surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of dental and facial conditions. Their expertise extends beyond teeth to jaw, facial bones, and soft tissues. A general dentist is a qualified professional and doctor with at least 5 years of training in India, and then an Oral and maxillofacial surgeon in India requires further 3 years of super specialization. An oral surgeon specializes in treating complex dental and facial conditions that require surgical intervention. The most common reasons why people require an oral surgeon expertise are listed below:

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last to emerge, often causing issues due to lack of space in the jaw.
• They can grow at odd angles, become impacted (trapped in the jawbone), or cause overcrowding.
• Common problems include pain, swollen gums, difficulty in mouth opening, infection, and pressure on adjacent teeth.

Treatment:

• Simple Extraction: If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is accessible, it can be removed using forceps.
• Surgical Extraction: If impacted (trapped in bone), a small incision is made, and the tooth is sectioned for removal.
• Recovery & Aftercare: Swelling and discomfort for a few days, soft diet recommended, and proper oral hygiene required.

Dental Implants and Full Mouth Rehabilitation

• Missing teeth can lead to difficulty in chewing, speech problems, jawbone resorption, and loss of facial aesthetics.
• Dental implants provide a permanent, stable, and natural-looking solution.
• Full-mouth rehabilitation is for patients with multiple missing teeth, deteriorated bite, or those who struggle with removable dentures.

Treatment:

• Single or Multiple Dental Implants: Titanium or zirconia implants are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
• All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants: For patients with extensive tooth loss, 4-6 implants support a full arch prosthesis.
• Immediate Loading Implants: Allows placement of teeth within a day for quicker rehabilitation.

Zygomatic Implants for Severe Bone Loss

• Traditional implants require adequate jawbone volume for support.
• In cases of severe bone loss, bone grafting or sinus lifts are required, increasing time and cost.
• Zygomatic implants provide a graft-free solution by anchoring implants into the zygomatic (cheekbone).

Who Needs It?

• Patients who were told they are not candidates for traditional implants due to lack of bone.
• People who don’t want to undergo lengthy grafting procedures.
• Ideal for those seeking a full-mouth rehabilitation solution with immediate loading.

Treatment:

• Placement of Extra-Long Implants in the cheekbone to support fixed teeth.
• Minimal Downtime with immediate prosthesis placement.
• Alternative to Bone Grafting for faster recovery and predictable outcomes.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis & Surgery

• Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates.
• Signs include persistent mouth ulcers, white or red patches, lumps, and difficulty swallowing.
• Delayed treatment can lead to severe tissue destruction and functional impairment.

Treatment:

• Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm cancerous or non-cancerous nature.
• Surgical Tumor Removal: Excising affected tissues while preserving function.
• Reconstruction & Rehabilitation: If required, prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants and soft tissue grafts.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) for Misalignment

• Jaw misalignment can cause difficulty in chewing, breathing, speaking, and aesthetic concerns.
• Conditions like underbite, overbite, open bite, and asymmetry affect oral function and confidence.
• Can be used to correct obstructive sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction.

Who Should Consider It?

• Individuals with severe bite irregularities not correctable with orthodontics.
• Those experiencing chronic headaches, TMJ pain, speech difficulties, and breathing problems.
• People with facial asymmetry or aesthetic concerns.

Treatment:

• Maxillary (Upper Jaw) Surgery: Corrects overbite or underbite.
• Mandibular (Lower Jaw) Surgery: Repositions the lower jaw for better alignment.
• Bimaxillary Surgery: Addresses both upper and lower jaw misalignment for comprehensive correction.

TMJ Disorder & Jaw Pain

• The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and facilitates movement.
• Disorders can cause chronic pain, restricted jaw movement, and clicking or popping sounds.
• TMJ dysfunction can lead to headaches, ear pain, and muscle strain.

Treatment:

• Non-Surgical: TMJ splints, physiotherapy, Botox injections for muscle relaxation.
• Surgical: TMJ arthroscopy, total joint replacement, or disc repositioning for severe cases.

Facial Trauma & Fractures

• Accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults can cause broken jaws, dislocated joints, and knocked-out teeth.
• Facial fractures require precise treatment to restore function, aesthetics, and occlusion.

Treatment:

• Minor Trauma: Splinting or wiring of fractured teeth.
• Major Fractures: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using plates and screws.
• Rehabilitation: Bone grafting or implants for long-term stability.

Cysts, Tumors & Pathology

• Oral cysts and tumors can be benign or malignant.
• Undiagnosed lesions can grow aggressively and impact oral structures.
• Conditions like odontogenic cysts, ameloblastomas, and fibro-osseous lesions require prompt intervention.

Treatment:

• Diagnosis: Radiographs, CT scans, and biopsies to confirm pathology.
• Surgical Removal: Excision of cysts, tumors, or affected bone segments.
• Reconstruction: Bone grafting or implants to restore function.

Sleep Apnea & Snoring

• Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause breathing interruptions, loud snoring, and daytime fatigue.
• It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Treatment:

• Non-Surgical: CPAP therapy, oral appliances, weight management.
• Surgical: Jaw advancement surgery (maxillomandibular advancement) to enlarge the airway and reduce obstruction.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

• Some patients have excess bone, sharp ridges, or soft tissue abnormalities that interfere with denture fitting.
• Proper ridge contour is essential for stable and comfortable prosthetics.

Treatment:

• Bone Smoothing (Alveoloplasty): Shapes the jawbone for better prosthetic support.
• Tissue Grafting: Augments deficient soft tissues for improved fit.
• Recontouring Bony Prominences: Eliminates sharp edges that cause discomfort.