A dentist may decide that a patient requires oral surgery when their dental needs go beyond the scope of cleanings, fillings, or other minor procedures. An oral surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, or a general dentist trained in surgery performs surgical procedures, with the help of hygienists or other assistants. Oral, inhalation, or intravenous (IV) sedation is often given to patients so the procedure may be performed without causing pain.
Common oral surgical procedures
As dental research and technology improve, the number of oral surgical procedures that are available to patients continues to increase. The possibilities for ways to improve the look, feel, and function of teeth and the surrounding tissues are nearly limitless. However, some of the most common procedures involve tooth extractions, placing dental implants, soft-tissue surgeries and corrective jaw surgeries.
Oral surgery may be required to extract a tooth if the tooth is injured or is starting to decay. One of the most common types of tooth extraction is wisdom teeth removal. Tooth extractions are also sometimes needed as part of an orthodontic treatment in order to make room for other teeth. Patients are typically given an anesthetic to reduce or eliminate pain during the procedure.
Placing dental implants
Dental implant surgery involves replacing damaged tooth roots with screw-like posts made of metal. Artificial teeth that function and look like real teeth are attached to the posts. Dental implants are a good alternative to dentures and bridgework that would not be possible without natural teeth roots. A specialist positions the post inside the gum and may need to use a variety of techniques, such as gum grafts, to ensure proper placement and healing.
Soft tissue surgeries
Many oral surgical procedures involve manipulating soft tissues to produce a desired outcome. Soft tissue grafts add more tissue to certain areas inside the mouth and may be used to reduce the sensitivity of an infected area, cover a root that is exposed, prevent gum recession, improve the cosmetics of an area, or prevent future issues.
Other soft tissue surgeries include the removal of diseased or excess gum tissue and the bacteria that may lead to periodontitis, which is known as a gingivectomy. This is often done is combination with a gingivoplasty, which involves surgically reshaping the gum tissue for cosmetic or functional purposes.
Corrective jaw surgery
If orthodontics alone does not correctly realign the jaw and teeth, jaw surgery may be a good alternative. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, can improve the way a patient's jaw works and may even improve the outward appearance of their face. It can make biting, chewing, swallowing, and speech easier. It may also relieve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
Oral surgery is an excellent way to improve the look and feel of a person's mouth. However, it is not a cost-effective substitute for good oral health. To ensure a beautiful and comfortable smile, it is still important to brush and floss regularly, restrict sugary foods, and have professional dental cleanings biannually.
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