Oral surgery and other types of surgery are both capable of performing tooth extractions and other basic surgeries. However, oral surgeons often perform more complex surgeries and extractions, such as wisdom teeth. In the case of a simple tooth extraction or the placement of an implant, you may have the option of seeing the dentist or an oral surgeon.
Oral surgery
is a broad term for any operation that is performed on the teeth, gums, jaw, or surrounding oral and facial structures.It includes a wide range of procedures, such as tooth extractions, dental bone grafts, periodontal (gum) grafts, and corrective jaw surgery. There are several types of oral surgery procedures performed each year. Some of the most common are tooth extraction, dental bone grafts, dental implants, periodontal surgery, corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and cleft lip and cleft palate repair. The most common type of oral surgery is tooth extraction (tooth extraction).
An extraction may be recommended if you have severe tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), dental trauma, or complications with your wisdom teeth. Sometimes, tooth extractions are performed to prepare you for dentures or other prosthetic devices. Most dentists prefer to keep their natural teeth whenever possible, but extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve overall oral health. In addition, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of tooth decay, bone loss, and other problems.
A dental bone graft is needed when bone loss has occurred in the jaw. There are a couple of reasons why this might happen. When your natural teeth are present, the roots stimulate the nerves in the jaw. This tells the brain to send nutrients to the jaw, keeping it strong and healthy.
If a tooth is missing for some time, bone deterioration can occur in that area because there are no roots that stimulate the nerves. A dental bone graft restores the volume and density of the jaw so that dental implants can be placed later. Sometimes, your provider may place a bone graft during periodontal surgery. Advanced gum disease can cause the bone around the teeth to erode.
A bone graft reduces mobility and provides a strong foundation, keeping teeth strong and healthy. Dental implants are widely considered to be the most reliable and durable tooth replacement option available. These small threaded posts made of medical grade titanium or zirconium are embedded in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once the implants are healed, they can be restored with dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, treats skeletal abnormalities of the jaw bones. This procedure may be recommended to improve chewing function, correct misalignment, or treat facial imbalances.
Corrective jaw surgery is also used to relieve pain caused by TMJ dysfunction (TMD). Most people can return to work or school in a day or three. For more extensive procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery, it may take a little longer. There are many types of oral surgery including surgical procedures such as tooth extraction or endodontics. Some oral surgeries involve repositioning the jaw.
In other cases, oral surgery may involve removing a tumor. Oral surgeries can be performed by any of the different types of dental specialists including endodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training to treat a variety of conditions affecting the face, mouth and jaw. Patients are generally referred to an oral surgeon when a problem is beyond the reach of a general dentist's experience. Oral surgeons perform simple and complex tooth extractions including the extraction of wisdom teeth. They also provide care for accident victims who need reconstructive dental surgery.
Oral surgeons can also perform soft tissue biopsies remove tumors perform jaw realignment surgery repair soft tissue or place implants. Patients who need tooth extractions or dental implants also need the care and attention of an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The overall goal of oral surgery is to address any problem that interferes with your health or quality of life. For dental and maxillary procedures that go beyond the experience of a general dentist you may need oral surgery. While the most common oral surgery is the extraction of a tooth some maxillofacial surgeons can also treat conditions such as cleft palate and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding the capabilities of these two types of dental professionals will help you make an informed decision for your family's needs. During oral surgery for tooth extraction you'll receive an anesthetic agent that will make the procedure painless.
Learn more about the most common types of oral surgery such as oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth. Learn about the medical dental pharmacy behavioral and voluntary benefits that your employer can offer. Oral and maxillofacial surgery may involve operating on the teeth and jaws or other structures of the face. If you've recently had oral surgery and feel pain that won't go away with medication a fever of 100.4°F or higher or oozing at the site of surgery call your surgeon right away. A maxillofacial surgeon with specialized training can perform these types of surgeries to help people with OSA breathe better and maintain their oxygenation during sleep. They will also take dental x-rays and scans to get a clear view of the teeth roots jaw nerves and other important oral reference points. For example if you've been involved in an accident and need oral surgery in a hospital your health insurance will likely cover it. The residency program must be accepted by the Dental Accreditation Commission ensuring that each resident receives training in oral pathology anesthesia oral surgery and other areas needed to practice proficiently. The length of the procedure will depend on several factors such as type of oral surgery being undergone number of teeth being treated and whether or not sedation is chosen.
