5 Signs You Should See an Oral Surgeon (Not Just Your Dentist)
When it comes to your oral health, your general dentist is often the first stop. But some situations call for specialized care—and that’s where an oral surgeon comes in. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Kevin Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery are trained to handle complex dental conditions that go beyond cleanings, fillings, or crowns.
So how do you know when it’s time to see a specialist? Here are five key signs that it’s time to book a consultation with an oral surgeon.
1. You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing problems—especially when they’re impacted (trapped beneath the gum line or pressing against other teeth). If you’re experiencing:
- Pain or pressure in the back of your jaw
- Swelling or tenderness
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
…it may be time for surgical removal. Even if they’re not painful now, impacted wisdom teeth can damage surrounding teeth, lead to infection, or cause alignment issues down the road. An oral surgeon can evaluate and safely extract them before they cause bigger problems.
2. Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Locking
Persistent jaw pain or popping sounds when you chew or speak could signal a TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). While mild cases can often be managed with night guards or physical therapy, more advanced cases may require surgical evaluation.
If your jaw pain interferes with eating, talking, or sleeping—or if you’re experiencing locking or difficulty opening your mouth—an oral surgeon can help identify the root cause and recommend the right treatment.
3. You’ve Been Told You’re Not a Candidate for Dental Implants
If your dentist has said you don’t have enough bone to support implants, don’t give up hope. An oral surgeon can assess your bone structure more thoroughly and, in many cases, recommend advanced procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts to make implants possible.
We’ve helped many patients at Rockwall Oral Surgery go from “not a candidate” to a confident, fully restored smile.
4. A Root Canal Didn’t Solve the Problem
If you’ve had a root canal and the pain, swelling, or infection persists, it might mean the underlying issue wasn’t fully resolved. In some cases, retreatment by a general dentist or endodontist may be an option, but if the problem continues, surgical intervention could be needed.
An oral surgeon can perform a procedure called an apicoectomy, which removes the tip of the tooth root and clears the surrounding infection, giving you a better chance at saving the tooth.
5. Facial Trauma or Jaw Injury
Accidents happen—and when they involve the face or jaw, it’s important to see someone with advanced training. Oral surgeons are the go-to experts for treating:
- Fractured jaws or cheekbones
- Knocked-out or broken teeth
- Lacerations to the face or inside the mouth
Dr. Pollock has extensive experience treating traumatic dental injuries with precision and care, helping patients recover function, appearance, and confidence after accidents.
Trust the Specialist. Protect Your Smile.
When your oral health needs go beyond routine care, you deserve the skill and experience of a surgical specialist. Dr. Kevin Pollock and the team at Rockwall Oral Surgery are here to guide you through every step—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
Think it’s time to see an oral surgeon? Call us today at (469) 757-4433 or schedule a consultation online to find out how we can help.
