Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to earn a degree and obtain a license to practice in their state.

But some surgeons, including those at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, go a step further and become board-certified. Board certification signifies both professional expertise and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Training

On the path to becoming board-certified, oral surgeons complete a great deal of education and training. For most, this includes:

• Two to four years of undergraduate studies in a bachelor’s degree program
• Three to four years of dental school to earn a degree as a doctor of dental medicine (DDM) or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS)
• Four to six years of hospital-based training in anesthesiology, internal and emergency medicine, general surgery and the treatment of disorders, diseases, injuries and irregularities involving the mouth, jaw and facial structures

How Surgeons Obtain Board Certification

After completing the necessary education and training, surgeons can pursue board certification. Those who pass the required examinations and the meticulous peer evaluation process become board-certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS).

Surgeons who take the time to develop expertise in surgical subspecialties can have their efforts recognized with board certification. The board-certified professionals at ROMS specialize in:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Impacted canine treatment
• Dental implant placement
• Bone grafting surgery
• Oral pathology treatment
• Facial trauma repair
• Corrective jaw surgery
• TMJ disorder treatment
• Congenital defect repair
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy
• Sleep apnea treatment

Continuing Education for Board-Certified Surgeons

After oral and maxillofacial surgeons obtain board certification, the ABOMS verifies their competency and expertise through a comprehensive continuing education program. Meeting the requirements of this program, called Certification Maintenance, ensures lifelong learning and proficiency in current clinical practices.

As a patient, you want a board-certified surgeon who fulfills the continuing education requirements of the ABOMS. Ongoing learning through seminars, lectures, special courses, national meetings, panels, symposiums and self-assessment tools establishes a solid understanding of the latest surgical techniques and ABOMS recommendations on patient care.

The surgeons here at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have board certification, but not all oral surgery practices in the greater east central Indiana area can make the same claim.

Our surgical team has the skill, qualifications and experience to safely administer all forms of anesthesia and to successfully complete a wide range of routine and complex procedures. We use advanced 3-D facial imaging to diagnose conditions and precisely plan surgical treatments. And unlike other oral surgery practices in the Richmond area, we offer platelet-rich plasma to expedite healing.

Trust your care to the board-certified professionals at ROMS. Contact us to schedule an oral and maxillofacial surgeon consultation today.

When you undergo wisdom teeth removal, you need to take some time to recover. But how long will the healing take?

The extraction process affects everyone differently, and the complexity of your procedure may impact your recovery period. However, you can take steps to encourage faster healing.

Trust the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to take the time to answer your questions and explain everything you need to know.

Healing Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Removal

The day of your procedure, you can expect some discomfort. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be enough to keep the pain in check, but contact your oral surgeon if this isn’t the case.

Swelling in the mouth and cheeks is common, and you may experience a bit of bleeding and bruising. These symptoms don’t typically last long, but some patients have chipmunk cheeks and swollen faces for a few days.

You should feel better soon, as most patients only need three to five days to recover. You may have slight discomfort for seven to 10 days, and complete healing may take a few weeks. If your extraction procedure is complex, the recovery period may be longer.

Speeding Up the Recovery Process

Though you will need some downtime after getting your wisdom teeth pulled, taking the right precautions can help you get back on your feet faster. For speedy healing, oral surgeons recommend the following:

• Get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated.
• Take your pain medication as directed.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm packs.
• After 24 hours have passed, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
• Consume only liquids and soft foods for at least a couple of days.

What to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

When you get your wisdom teeth pulled, blood clots will form at the extraction sites to protect the exposed bone and tissue. If the clots become dislodged, you may experience a painful complication called dry socket. You can greatly reduce the risk of this happening if you:

• Don’t brush near the extraction sites.
• Don’t eat any foods that are sticky, crunchy or chewy.
• Don’t drink any beverages through a straw.
• Don’t spit or vigorously swish liquids in your mouth.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

Make sure to follow all your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions as well. You may be advised to take additional steps during recovery, based upon the specifics of your wisdom teeth removal procedure. By listening to your oral surgeon, you will give yourself the best possible chance for speedy healing.

Do you need to get your wisdom teeth pulled? For expert care in the greater east central Indiana area, turn to the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Our highly experienced oral surgeons, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman, specialize in tooth extraction, and we aim to give every patient a positive experience. Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation today.