ORAL SURGERY
Oral surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures involving the oral and maxillofacial region, which includes the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are dental specialists trained to perform these surgical procedures. Here are some common types of oral surgery:
Tooth Extractions:
- Oral surgeons often perform extractions of teeth that are damaged, decayed, impacted, or causing other dental issues. Wisdom teeth removal is a common example.
Dental Implant Placement:
- Oral surgeons may place dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots, into the jawbone to support dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery):
- Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct problems with the jaw and facial structure. It may be necessary for issues like misaligned jaws, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or facial trauma.
Bone Grafting:
- When a patient lacks sufficient bone density in the jaw for dental implant placement, oral surgeons may perform bone grafting procedures to augment and regenerate bone.
Soft Tissue Procedures:
- Oral surgeons can address soft tissue problems in the oral cavity, including procedures like frenectomy (removal of a frenulum) or gum grafting to treat gum recession.
Treatment of Oral Pathologies:
- Oral surgeons diagnose and treat various oral pathologies, including cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities in the oral and maxillofacial region.
Facial Trauma Surgery:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are often involved in treating facial injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery:
- Procedures may be performed to prepare the mouth for the placement of dental prosthetics, ensuring optimal conditions for the success of restorative treatments.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair:
- Oral surgeons play a crucial role in the surgical correction of cleft lip and palate conditions, working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Apicoectomy:
- This surgical procedure involves the removal of the tip of a tooth's root to treat persistent infections or inflammation following a root canal.
Patients may be referred to an oral surgeon by a general dentist or other specialists when more specialized care is needed. Oral surgery is often performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the nature of the procedure and the patient's preferences.
If you have specific concerns or are in need of oral surgery, it's important to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can assess your situation, discuss treatment options, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
