An oral surgeon has the skills needed to perform surgical dental treatments like installing implants. These oral professionals have additional education after dental school learning about how to perform surgical treatments.
An oral surgeon can perform all the treatments done by a general dentist, and they can also perform treatments general dentists are not qualified to do. Here are some of the ways an oral surgeon might opt to replace a patient's lost teeth.
The placement of implants is one of the most common procedures an oral surgeon performs. Implants are artificial teeth roots, and they are surgically placed into the jaw. The dentist does this by making a small hole into the jawbone. The implant is pushed into this hole until it is held in place by the friction generated by the bone tissues around it. At times, the dentist might need to make an incision into the patient's gum to reach the patient's jawbone.
Implants can take up to six months to fuse with the bone tissues holding them in place via osseointegration. The implant can then be fitted with a restoration like a crown.
Oral surgeons also replace missing teeth with oral prosthetics that do not typically require surgery. Dentures are often the most cost-effective way to replace missing teeth when a person has lost most of their natural teeth. The cost of a full set of dentures can be lower than the cost of a single implant.
Dentures are often customized for each patient. The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and sends it to a lab that makes dentures. It can take as little as two weeks for the patient to get their restoration back.
One of the most obvious drawbacks associated with dentures is the constant shifting that occurs when worn. Dentures are held in place via suction generated by the framework, and that is often not enough to prevent the restoration from moving in the mouth. The poor stability of dentures can lead to embarrassing moments like the restoration falling out of the mouth while speaking.
Oral surgeons can improve the stability of dentures by combining them with implants. The implant serves as a base that prevents the prosthetic from moving, leading to a better experience for the wearer.
Bridges are another popular way to replace missing teeth. These oral prosthetics do exactly what their name implies; they bridge spaces created by missing teeth. Bridges are typically anchored to the teeth nearest to the space, and they can be anchored to implants if the patient has already lost those teeth. The abutments are then used to secure the artificial teeth that bridge the gap. The prosthetic is fixed in place once installed.
Ready to close up the space in your smile? Call or visit our Santa Maria clinic to learn more about how our oral surgeon can replace your missing teeth.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery in Santa Maria, CA.
Missing or damaged teeth can impact people’s smiles and overall dental health, especially if the affected teeth cause pain or become infected, but dental implants can replace these teeth and eliminate certain oral health issues. Before patients seek out this procedure, it can be important to understand how anesthesia may be used to avoid any…
A patient may invest in dental implants for a variety of different reasons, many of which focus on positively changing personal image and improving overall oral health. Implants are often applied when patients are missing one or more teeth and are not interested (or have had no success with) dentures or dental bridges. To understand…
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves rebuilding or repairing damaged or diseased bones. Bone grafts have many uses, but they are primarily used in dentistry to prepare patients for implant placement or to repair tissues damaged by periodontal disease or other dental issues.The healing process often starts the moment bone tissues are damaged.…
Choosing to invest in dental implants is no minor decision. The procedure requires small surgeries, and the overall process can last months, requiring dedication to restoring oral health and a full smile. The results, however, are well worth the time and effort for most patients.Before deciding to commit, patients first need to understand the different…
Missing or damaged teeth can impact people’s smiles and overall dental health, especially if the affected teeth cause pain or become infected, but dental implants can replace these teeth and eliminate certain oral health issues. Before patients seek out this procedure, it can be important to understand how anesthesia may be used to avoid any…
A patient may invest in dental implants for a variety of different reasons, many of which focus on positively changing personal image and improving overall oral health. Implants are often applied when patients are missing one or more teeth and are not interested (or have had no success with) dentures or dental bridges. To understand…