The term “oral surgery” describes a wide variety of procedures performed on your gums, teeth, jaw, and related structures. It covers many operations, such as tooth extractions, dental bone grafts, periodontal (gum) grafts, and corrective jaw surgery.
What Are the Different Types?
Surgeons perform it in a variety of ways to address a variety of health problems. The following are some of the most popular types of oral surgery:
Tooth Extraction
The surgical removal of a tooth is one of the most frequent types. This procedure may be required if the tooth is decayed, broken, or impacted, meaning it has not fully erupted from the gums.
Dental Implant
Surgeons insert a small metal post into the jawbone to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth or bridge. This is a common procedure for those missing teeth or needing a more durable tooth replacement option.
Jaw Surgery
Surgeons use jaw surgery, sometimes referred to as orthognathic surgery, to treat conditions involving the jaw, such as misaligned jaws, growth problems, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Patients may require this surgery to correct tooth alignment, improve the patient’s bite, or relieve pain and suffering caused by TMJ issues.
Biopsies
Dental professionals conduct oral biopsies to take a little tissue sample from the mouth or jaw for additional testing. Dental professionals may use this procedure to detect oral cancer or other oral diseases.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Cleft lip and palate are congenital abnormalities that affect the lip or roof of the mouth. These problems may impact the child’s ability to speak, eat, and breathe normally. Surgeons may need to surgically correct these problems.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are causing you pain, swelling, or infection, you may need to have them surgically removed.
If dental professionals do not extract these teeth, they can also cause harm to adjacent teeth and gums.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep apnea happens when a person’s breathing continuously stops and resumes during sleep. By removing extra tissue from the throat or realigning the jaw to promote breathing, it may be performed to treat this condition.
It is used to treat a wide range of complex health disorders. Dental professionals cannot treat these disorders by regular dentistry. Oral surgeons are highly trained dental professionals specializing in identifying and treating these diseases.
Therefore, speaking with an surgeon is crucial to decide the best course of action for your particular needs if you are dealing with health issues that could necessitate surgery.
What Happens During Oral Surgery?
Dental professionals administer anesthesia to the patient to numb the area around the surgery site. Next, the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue. Then they perform the necessary treatment, including tooth extraction, implant placement, or jaw realignment correction. The surgeon then stitches the incision and gives the patient post-operative instructions
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Oral Surgery?
These are some advantages:
Improved Health
Dental professionals can address complex dental issues by oral surgery. Some issues that they cannot manage with general dentistry. Therefore, it enhances health and quality of life.
Pain Relief
It can relieve pain and suffering caused by oral health problems such as impacted wisdom teeth or jaw misalignment.
Better Ability to Eat and Speak
It can enhance a patient’s ability to chew, swallow, and communicate. These can considerably improve their daily life.
Aesthetically Pleasant Outcomes
Some oral surgeries, such as dental implants or cleft lip and palate correction, can improve the patient’s look and boost their confidence. However, like with any medical operation, there are risks. These might include:
Bleeding
It can result in bleeding, which may sometimes be considerable or prolonged.
Infection
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, which may call for antibiotics or additional care.
Nerve Damage
It can sometimes cause nerve injury, resulting in numbness or loss of sensation in the mouth or face.
Reaction to Anesthesia
Anesthesia can occasionally result in adverse effects, such as allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
Swelling and Pain
Swelling and pain are frequent side effects, although they are usually manageable with painkillers and other methods. It’s crucial to review the procedure’s advantages, risks, and potential non-surgical options with the oral surgeon. Then, the oral surgeon will work with the patient to reduce risks and achieve a safe and satisfactory outcome.
Call us at ORIS Dental Clinics if you live in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and need more information.
