Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
4 surprising ways oral surgery can make everyday life better
Reading time: 4 minutes
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When you hear “oral surgery,” your mind likely jumps straight to wisdom teeth, a soft food diet and a few days on the couch. The truth: That’s only part of the story.
We spoke with experts at Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine Hoover to find out what oral surgery actually involves, and let’s just say, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than you might think.
From improving how you breathe to treating serious conditions, here are four things that may completely change how you think about oral surgery in Birmingham.
1. Oral surgeons don’t just pull teeth
UAB Oral Surgery provides specialized care for the face, jaws and mouth for both children and adults. (Ben Johnson / Bham Now)
Something important to clear up about oral surgeons is this: They don’t “just” take out wisdom teeth.
“Most people know oral surgeons for wisdom teeth removal and dental implants. However, oral surgeons also provide full surgical care for conditions of the face, jaws and mouth.”
Dr. Brian Kinard, MD, DMD, Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine
Here are some of the procedures Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine Hoover performs:
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Cleft lip + palate treatment
- Facial trauma care
- Dental implants + complex extractions
- TMJ (jaw joint) pain
- Oral cancer care + reconstruction
2. Jaw surgery isn’t just cosmetic—it can improve everyday life
Jaw surgery, also called corrective or orthognathic surgery, involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw or both to improve how your mouth and face function.
Corrective jaw surgery can help:
- Improve breathing + open airways
- Reduce symptoms of sleep apnea
- Make it easier to speak + swallow
- Relieve jaw pain or misalignment
It might sound extreme, but jaw surgery is actually more common—and subtle—than most people realize.
“Most oral surgery is done from inside of your mouth, which helps hide incisions and helps you return to daily life sooner.
It can also improve facial balance and confidence, but for many, the biggest chance is simply feeling better day to day.”
Dr. Brian Kinard, MD, DMD, Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine.
3. Oral surgery is life-changing, from cancer care to cleft clinics
Dr. Brian Kinard, MD, DMD (L) and Devon Boyd, Clinical Care Coordinator (R) with Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine Hoover (Ben Johnson / Bham Now)
Something you may not realize is that oral surgeons also treat mouth cancers, guiding patients through surgery and reconstruction.
They also support cleft care across Alabama.
“I staff cleft clinics in Montgomery and Huntsville. These cases are challenging but can make a large difference in patients’ lives.”
Dr. Brian Kinard, MD, DMD, Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine
4. Oral surgery can work with a busy lifestyle
Jaw surgery might sound like a huge life takeover, but here’s one thing to know: Even when orthodontic braces are involved before and after, most people are back to their usual routines within weeks. This means you can still go to work, school or your favorite Birmingham event without missing a beat.
Plus, at the Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine Hoover—and also their Inverness location—you have access to one of the largest oral surgery teams in the country.
“We’re fortunate to have experts in every area of surgery for the face, mouth and jaws. Patients should know they’re getting care from surgeons dedicated to the Birmingham community.”
Dr. Brian Kinard, MD, DMD, Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Oral Surgery Clinic at UAB Medicine Hoover today to see how their team can help.
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