Oral surgeons and dentists specialize in taking care of teeth, gums and the mouth. According to WebMD, the conditions that may be treated by an oral surgeon include impacted teeth, tooth loss and jaw-bone related problems. The other conditions include cleft lip and cleft palate repair, facial injury repair, snoring/sleep apnea correction, facial infections and lesion removal and biopsy. Impacted teeth usually occur when the third molars do not emerge on the gum line as expected. Dr. Thomas Ocheltree, an oral surgeon in Bloomington, Illinois, explains that patients with this condition may experience pain and swelling and develop gum infection.
Dentists and oral surgeons may suggest dental implant to treat tooth loss. The treatment is often seen as a good alternative to dentures and bridges. During the implantation process, the surgeon anchors the implant along the jawbone so as to place the artificial teeth. Common jawbone problems include unequal jaw growth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ is essentially a joint located on the front of the ear, at the juncture where the lower jaw adjoins the skull. A dysfunction in the TMJ can cause several problems including facial pain and headaches.
Duties and daily routine of oral surgeons and dentists
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are generally expected to work long hours and be on call around the clock to cover serious maxillofacial trauma cases and other medical emergencies. The medical professionals need strong interpersonal skills and comprehensive medical understanding to work efficiently. The care and treatment by the surgeons cover the head, jaw and mouth. According to Career Planner, the basic duties of oral and maxillofacial surgeons include:
• Administration of general and local anesthetics
• Working with a professional team constituting orthodontists and restorative dentists to craft treatment plans
• Extracting damaged, impacted and non-restorable teeth
• Undertaking emergency treatments of various facial injuries, including fractured facial bones, facial lacerations and intra-oral lacerations.
• Treat infections of the oral cavity, neck, jaws and salivary glands
• Perform mouth and jaw surgery for patients suffering cleft lip and palate and growth problems affecting the jaw.
• Perform surgery to prepare for dental implant and work out strategies to support the regeneration of deficient gum tissues and bones.
• Restoration of bone, skin and nerve functions in order to reconstruct the face and the jaw.
• Perform minor cosmetic procedures such as minor facial rejuvenation, cheekbone and chin enhancements. Popular facial rejuvenation techniques include laser technology and Botox.
The professional life of a dentist and oral surgeon is very similar to that of other medical professionals. A brief highlight of what an oral surgeon does on a typical day includes performing surgery on the mouth, jaws, head, neck and head. These operations are critical in correcting abnormalities of the jaw, removing tumors and abnormal growths as well as extracting a problematic tooth. Because of the growing perception about hygiene and health, many dental practitioners have evolved their trade to include cosmetic care. The work done by dentists and oral surgeons also includes many aspects of management and administration.
According to the Princeton Review, dentists and oral surgeons typically work 7 to 10 hours a day. A significant time of the day is spent educating patients on the best ways to create and preserve a healthy mouth. Dentists often encourage patients to go for frequent checkups as a way to maintain good health and minimize the risk of oral diseases. In the afternoons, most dentists spend time filing insurance claims and managing paperwork. Dentists and oral surgeons working in private clinics and practices spend a lot of money on rent and insurance premiums. The other cost implications go into maintaining qualified staff and purchasing drugs and equipment.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Illinois
Dr. Thomas Ocheltree is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon working at Doran, Capodice, Efaw and Ocheltree, LLC. The practice mostly performs specialized oral surgery, facial cosmetic surgery and dental implants. The other services available include tooth extraction, socket preservation, bone grafting, jawbone health and impacted wisdom teeth treatment. Besides clinical treatment, Thomas spends a good part of his workdays scheduling exams, making follow-ups and recommending referrals for patients with serious facial trauma cases and other rising emergencies.
The practice is based in Bloomington, Illinois and serves the larger surrounding community. The decision to have the treatment center in Bloomington is largely because the four partnering doctors grew up in the area and wanted to give back to the community. Thomas did his oral and maxillofacial surgery training at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Prior to that, he attended Augustana College and graduated in 1993. For his residency, Dr. Thomas Ocheltree went to Christiana Care Health Systems. He currently lives in Illinois with his family.