Oral surgery addresses complex issues related to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Oral health plays a crucial role in a person's overall well-being. Sometimes, it requires specialized treatment beyond good oral hygiene habits and routine dental visits. This is where an oral surgeon comes in.
Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the oral and maxillofacial regions. Oral surgeons are dental professionals who have completed additional years of education and a residency in oral surgery. They possess the skills and expertise to perform a wide range of oral surgeries to restore a person's oral health and function and improve overall well-being.
Oral surgeons perform surgery for numerous reasons. A general dentist may recommend consulting an oral surgeon if a patient has the following:
By seeking the training and experience of an oral surgeon, a patient can improve their oral health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
One of the most common oral surgical procedures is tooth extraction. While most dental professionals prefer to save natural teeth, extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve a patient's oral health. While a general dentist can perform simple extractions, more complex cases often require the expertise of an oral surgeon.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon carefully removes the tooth to avoid damage to the surrounding teeth. In cases of impacted teeth, the oral surgeon may make an incision in the gum tissue. These oral health professionals have the expertise to handle challenging extractions with minimal discomfort to the patient, utilizing anesthesia and other techniques to ensure a comfortable and safe process.
Dental implants are often the go-to solution for replacing missing teeth. During this procedure, an oral surgeon places an artificial tooth root — a small titanium post — into the patient's jawbone. Over time, the implant integrates with the bone, providing a strong foundation for a prosthetic tooth or crown.
The expertise of an oral surgeon is essential to performing dental implant surgery. They ensure the accurate placement of implants and can perform bone grafting procedures when necessary. This procedure not only restores the appearance of a natural tooth but also improves tooth functionality and helps prevent bone loss.
Dental bone grafts are often necessary when a patient lacks sufficient bone density in their jaw to support a dental implant. This procedure involves taking bone material from another part of the patient's body or using a synthetic bone substitute and grafting it onto the treatment area. An oral surgeon performs the bone graft surgery, ensuring proper integration of the graft material with the existing bone. Dental bone grafts promote bone growth and provide a solid foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments.
For patients with advanced periodontitis, an oral surgeon can perform periodontal surgery. During this procedure, the oral surgeon makes incisions along the patient's gum line, gradually pulling the tissue away from the teeth. The surgeon then cleans the tooth roots, flushing away plaque and accumulated bacteria in the affected area. After they finish, they reposition the gum tissue and suture it into place.
In some cases, periodontitis can cause gum recession. This means that the patient may need a gum graft. This procedure involves the oral surgeon reinforcing the area of tissue loss with tissue from another area of the patient's mouth. They can also perform the graft with tissue from a certified tissue bank.
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct jaw misalignments and improve the patient's bite and appearance. This procedure treats conditions such as:
Oral surgeons work closely with the patient's orthodontist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Corrective jaw surgery involves repositioning the jawbones, which may include the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. The goal of this procedure is to improve jaw function, facial symmetry, and the patient's overall quality of life.
Oral surgery procedures are essential in addressing many complex oral health issues. Oral surgeons possess the necessary expertise and training to ensure successful outcomes and long-lasting results. If you need any of the above procedures, call our office to learn more or schedule a consultation. Our team can examine your mouth and oral health and can help determine which procedure may work best for your situation. Reach out today to start the journey of restoring your smile's health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 910-1213 for an appointment in our Santa Maria office.
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