Common Types of Oral Surgeries
Posted on 8/15/2024 by Dental Care of Burlington |
 Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures performed within the mouth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. These procedures are typically performed by specialized dentists called oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have received additional training beyond dental school.
Oral surgery procedures can address a variety of dental and medical needs, ranging from simple tooth extractions to complex jaw reconstruction. If you're facing a dental issue that requires surgery, it's important to understand the different types of oral surgeries available and what to expect from the procedure.
Common Reasons for Oral Surgery
There are many reasons why someone might need oral surgery. Some of the most common reasons include:
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Tooth extractions: This is the most common type of oral surgery. Teeth may need to be extracted for various reasons, such as severe decay, infection, or crowding. |
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Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth are the four permanent teeth located at the back of the mouth. They often erupt later in life and can cause problems such as crowding, impaction, or infection. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure for teenagers and young adults. |
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Dental implant placement: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They provide a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. |
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Jaw surgery: This type of surgery is used to correct jaw deformities, such as an overbite, underbite, or misaligned jaw. Jaw surgery can improve facial appearance and function. |
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Treatment of oral diseases: Oral surgery may be needed to treat oral diseases, such as oral cancer, cysts, or tumors. |
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Facial trauma repair: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also trained to repair facial injuries caused by accidents or trauma. |
Types of Oral Surgeries
There are many different types of oral surgeries, each with its own purpose and procedure. Here are some of the most common types:
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Tooth extraction: This involves removing a tooth from the mouth. It can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction. |
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Wisdom teeth removal: This is a common procedure that involves removing the wisdom teeth. It is typically performed under general anesthesia. |
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Dental implant placement: This involves surgically placing a dental implant into the jawbone. The implant will then fuse with the bone, providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth. |
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Bone grafting: This procedure involves transplanting bone from another part of the body to the jawbone. It is often done in conjunction with dental implant placement to ensure there is enough bone to support the implant. |
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Sinus lift: This procedure is performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, which is sometimes necessary for dental implant placement. |
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Gingivectomy: This is a procedure to remove excess gum tissue. It is often done for cosmetic reasons or to improve oral hygiene. |
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Frenectomy: This is a procedure to remove a frenulum, which is a small piece of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gum. |
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Apicoectomy: This is a procedure to remove the tip of the tooth root. It is typically done to treat an infection at the root tip. |
What to Expect from Oral Surgery
The specific details of your oral surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure you are having. However, there are some general things you can expect.
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Before the surgery: You will meet with your oral surgeon to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You will also be given instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as fasting or stopping certain medications. |
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During the surgery: You will be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The anesthesia may be local, which numbs only the area of the surgery, or general, which puts you to sleep. |
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After the surgery: You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. This may include taking pain medication, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activity. |
Oral surgery can be a bit daunting, but it is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of dental problems. If you are considering oral surgery, be sure to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to learn more about the procedure and what to expect.
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