Common Procedures Performed by an Oral Surgeon for Mouth Injuries

Think you might need oral surgery? This article is an overview of some procedures that an oral surgeon typically performs and when they may be required or recommended.

Procedures for mouth injuries performed by an oral surgeon

The most common types of oral surgery procedures for mouth injuries include corrective jaw surgery, tooth extraction, facial trauma surgery, socket preservation, and dental implants. Of course, whether surgery is required and the type of surgery that is necessary depends on the specific details surrounding the mouth injury. The following is an overview of these procedures.

Corrective jaw surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, addresses skeletal concerns. One of the most common reasons that an oral surgeon might recommend corrective jaw surgery is to fix jaw misalignment that causes concerning symptoms. Those with improper jaw alignment may have a harder time breathing in an effortless manner. In other cases, a misaligned jaw can lead to bruxism and TMJ disorder. Non-surgical methods of addressing jaw misalignment may be tried at first. However, corrective jaw surgery is often necessary if non-surgical options are ineffective or not viable.

Tooth extraction

Simple extractions can sometimes be performed by dentists rather than oral surgeons. However, surgical extractions are often necessary for more complex cases. This includes wisdom tooth removal, which is a complex process that requires surgery. Tooth extraction from an oral surgeon may also be necessary for teeth that are severely decayed, damaged, or infected.

Surgeries for facial trauma

A common type of mouth injury is trauma that is caused by a blow to the mouth or face. This can result from playing contact sports, a nasty fall, a physical altercation, or a car accident, among other possible incidents. Oral surgeons can perform surgery to repair broken facial bones and other types of damage that can result from facial trauma.

Socket preservation grafting

A socket preservation graft is a type of oral surgery that places bone in the alveolar ridge to keep the empty tooth socket from decaying. This is usually performed after tooth extraction or after sudden and unexpected tooth loss. The purpose of a socket preservation graft is to ensure that bone loss does not result after tooth loss, which could otherwise result in the need for a bone graft procedure before tooth replacement.

Dental implants placement

Dental implant placement is an oral surgery procedure in which a dental implant (a small titanium surgical post) is placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. This serves as the root for a replacement crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are seen as an innovative solution for the long-term replacement of teeth, particularly when compared with fixed dental bridges and removable dentures.

Preparing for an oral surgery procedure

Your oral surgeon should provide detailed instructions on how to properly prepare for your scheduled procedure. This should include not eating for at least 12 hours before the procedure to help avoid any complications with anesthesia. If you are dealing with anxiety, then it can help to plan something fun and relaxing the night before, such as a movie night with the family or playing a board game. It can also help to shop for soft foods beforehand as you are not likely to want to go shopping afterward.

What to expect after your oral surgery procedure

As mentioned, there is usually some discomfort for the first few days after an oral surgery procedure. It is important to rest at least for the first one to three days (or as advised by your oral surgeon). It is also imperative to keep the mouth as clean as possible and avoid anything that may irritate and inflame the affected area. If any serious complications (e.g., intolerable level of pain) develop, then notify your oral surgeon.

When to visit an oral surgeon for a mouth injury

You should visit an oral surgeon for a mouth injury if the injury is severe and likely requires a surgical procedure. If the symptoms indicate a dental emergency, then be sure to visit an emergency dentist. For life-threatening symptoms, visit the emergency room or call an ambulance right away.

Have you recently endured a mouth injury?

If you have endured a mouth injury, have a reference for an oral surgeon, or have specific concerns that regard oral surgery, contact us today to schedule a visit. Our team has the experience and enjoys helping patients through the oral surgery process.

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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