Is It Time to See an Oral Surgeon? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
A general dentist can handle many dental concerns, but not all. What may seem like a routine toothache could be your body signaling something more serious beneath the surface—anything from an impacted tooth or jaw misalignment to a developing infection that, if left untreated, could lead to serious complications. When your dental issue outgrows the dentist’s chair, that’s when the oral surgeon steps in. Specializing in procedures beyond the scope of general dentistry—whether it’s wisdom teeth removal or dental implants—oral surgeons provide the expert care your smile truly needs. So, how do you know when it’s time to make that call? Here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to your oral health.
1. Unexplained Growths, Lesions, or Swelling in The Mouth
Not every bump, sore, or lesion in the mouth is harmless. Some unusual oral growths may indicate more serious underlying conditions such as oral cancer, cysts, or tumors, all of which require prompt evaluation by a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. According to dental and medical literature, oral growths are generally classified into three categories: noncancerous (benign), precancerous (dysplastic), and cancerous (malignant). Each type carries a different level of risk and urgency, making an accurate diagnosis essential.
Understanding these classifications is crucial when assessing abnormal oral tissue and determining whether surgical treatment is needed. While not all oral lesions are dangerous, ignoring persistent or unusual symptoms can delay the detection of serious conditions. If you notice a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump that changes in size or color, or mixed red-and-white patches (erythroleukoplakia), it’s important to seek professional care. The MSD Manual recommends that any mouth growth or lesion lasting longer than one to two weeks—especially if painful, bleeding, or enlarging—should be evaluated by a dental professional, who may refer you to an oral maxillofacial surgeon for further diagnosis or biopsy.
2. Chronic Jaw Pain & Joint Clicking
Chronic jaw pain—typically experienced as a dull, aching sensation along the jawline that worsens with talking, chewing, or yawning—can arise from various causes like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw trauma, or stress-induced behaviors such as nail biting. Some patients also experience reduced jaw mobility, including difficulty fully opening the mouth, a sense of tightness, or even locking (trismus). These symptoms are classic indicators of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD), which may involve muscle strain, joint inflammation, disk displacement, or arthritis.
If persistent jaw discomfort or limited range of motion starts to interfere with speaking, eating, or everyday activities, it’s time to seek an evaluation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. According to guidelines, referral is recommended when TMJ symptoms linger for three to six months, involve severe pain, or do not respond to conservative treatments like mouthguards, anti-inflammatories, or physical therapy.
At Central Park Oral Surgery, we offer prompt and professional emergency jaw surgeries, delivering expert care to restore comfort and function. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon utilizes advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to ensure precise, personalized treatment. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen—schedule your consultation today and give your jaw the relief it needs.
3. Problematic Wisdom Teeth Needing Oral Surgeon Evaluation
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt and tend to show up in the late teens or early twenties. When these teeth don’t have enough space to emerge properly, they can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or grow at an angle. This is a common condition and one of the top reasons people require oral surgery.
According to the Mayo Clinic, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of noticeable symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Tender or bleeding gums
Because these teeth are often embedded in the jawbone or soft tissue, safe removal requires the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Antibiotics may be required before tooth extraction if the area around the tooth is infected. Oral surgeons are specially trained to handle complex extractions using surgical precision, sedation options, and advanced imaging to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, the expert team at Central Park Oral Surgery is here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans and safe surgical removal right in the heart of New York.
4. Chronic Dental Abscesses and Lingering Oral Infections
A stubborn toothache or gum swelling that won’t go away could be more than just a minor inconvenience. You may be dealing with a dental abscess or an infection, both of which can have dire consequences if left untreated.
A dental abscess refers to a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection, typically due to unrelated tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. It can form at the tip of the tooth’s root (periapical abscess). Over time, bacteria spread deep into the tooth or gum tissue, which can cause pain and lasting damage to surrounding bones or teeth.
It is important to note that not all infections present with acute pain or visible swelling; certain oral infections may persist without pronounced symptoms, exhibiting only subtle manifestations such as:
- A throbbing or persistent toothache
- Tenderness or swelling in the jaw or face
- Pus or fluid oozing from the gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
These signs may appear temporarily, leading people to believe the issue is resolving by itself. However, the infection may be getting worse. If you’ve already tried antibiotics or root canal therapy but your symptoms keep coming back, you may need more advanced treatment. This is where oral surgeons come in. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to manage severe and persistent infections with treatments such as surgical tooth extractions, incision and drainage, and apicoectomy.
We offer vital emergency tooth extractions to alleviate the pain of abscesses and relieve the discomfort of pressure build-up. Our skilled team is dedicated to reducing internal pressure, paving the way for your swift recovery, and restoring your oral health. When you need urgent care, trust us to be there, ensuring you feel better and back to your best in no time.
5. Severe Tooth or Facial Trauma
Accidents are a common occurrence, but they can get quite serious when your face or mouth is involved. Severe tooth and dental trauma can be caused due to car accidents, sports injuries, or direct blows to the face. These injuries require immediate medical attention and, in many cases, oral and maxillofacial surgery to restore both function and appearance.
Facial trauma, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, refers to any injury to the soft tissues (such as our lips, cheeks, or tongue), the bones of the face (our jaws and cheekbones), or the teeth. This typically includes fractured jaws, lacerations to soft tissue, or cheekbone fractures. Dental trauma typically involves knocked-out (avulsed) teeth, tooth intrusion or displacement, and root damage or exposed nerves. These injuries can interfere with essential functions like eating, breathing, and speaking. Prompt evaluation and treatment are crucial not only for pain relief but also to prevent long-term complications.
If you experience severe trauma to the face, jaw, or mouth, it’s important to seek care from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as soon as possible. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons are uniquely trained to manage complex facial structures, including bones, nerves, and soft tissues.
When facial or dental injuries occur unexpectedly, we are prepared to respond. We offer emergency oral surgical care for patients experiencing trauma, severe infections, or urgent complications, so you can receive the assistance you need promptly.
If you’re experiencing impacted wisdom teeth, persistent jaw pain, chronic oral infections, or facial trauma, these may indicate that routine dental care is insufficient. In such cases, it is often necessary to seek the expertise of an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. These dental issues can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications like systemic infection, tooth displacement, and bone loss.
Oral surgeons are specially trained to manage complex dental and facial conditions, ensuring you receive accurate, effective, and long-lasting treatment. Addressing these problems early can prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future and help you maintain your long-term oral health.