1. WHAT IS ORAL SURGERY?
A wide range of treatments is involved in oral surgery, such as jaw, gums, teeth, and other parts of the neck or head area. Your dentist may perform procedures like teeth extractions, dental implants, gum treatments, and much more. For more complex cases, consulting an oral surgeon ensures specialized care and expertise. These procedures can also be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist.
2. COMMON ORAL SURGERY PROCEDURES
- Tooth Extractions: A common tooth procedure would be tooth extraction. If there’s any tooth decay or damage impacting the teeth to the extent where it cannot be saved, then your dental professional may opt to remove the teeth with procedures like restorative treatment or root canals. Crowding or other bite issues during the treatment of braces can be resolved with the help of tooth extractions.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: You might know someone who removed their wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last to appear in your mouth and, at times, do not fully erupt from your gums. They might also erupt in the wrong position as well. In that case, your dentist might recommend removing it. Other reasons that result in removing your teeth would include cysts, infections, tooth decay, damage to the oral structure or teeth, and even lack of room for teeth.
3. DENTAL IMPLANT INSTALLATION
To replace one or more missing teeth and to complete your smile, dental implants are a great option or fit. Their success rate is high and does not require preparation of neighbouring teeth. Adequate bone height and thickness are necessary to place an implant well with oral hygiene as well. The implants are secured within the jaw bones, and crowns, dentures, and bridges are used to secure them after healing.
4. CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
If a skeletal jaw issue is diagnosed then you might be recommended for jaw surgery. This is usually indicated for improvement in tooth alignment, airway, speech, facial discrepancies, and chewing. Along with orthodontic treatment, corrective jaw surgery is also performed.
5. SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT
Numerous individuals across the globe suffer from sleep and breathing problems. Several health issues occur due to sleep disorders like sleep apnea. It can be diagnosed only by a trained professional and is characterized by interrupted periods of sleep throughout the night. A referral is made once the condition is diagnosed for treatment. In severe cases, the treatment might include CPAP, oral appliances, or surgery.
6. BONE GRAFTING
If there’s any significant bone loss in your jaw, then bone grafts may be recommended. Periodontal disease would be a common reason for bone loss. It is a severe form of gum disease that is triggered by harmful bacterial plaque. Bone loss occurs progressively in areas that lack teeth due to a lack of stimulation of bone growth.
7. FACIAL INFECTION/FACIAL INJURY REPAIR
Many facial issues can be addressed by oral surgery that includes repairing facial injury, damage, and cleft lip and palate. Facial infections and mouth cancer can be treated by oral surgery procedures. These can be life-saving, and normal function and beauty can be restored.
