Oral Surgery
Any surgical treatment done on your teeth, gums, jaws, or other oral tissues is referred to as oral surgery. This covers jaw procedures, implants, gum grafts, and extractions. A periodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon typically performs oral surgery. These are dental experts who have received specialized training in performing oral surgeries.
Why Oral Surgery is Performed: Common Procedures and Specialists
Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures that are performed for various reasons. Your dentist may recommend oral surgery if you experience:
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1. Extensive tooth decay
2. Severe tooth fractures
3. Gum disease (periodontitis)
4. Impacted teeth
5. Missing teeth
6. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
7. Jaw bone loss
8. Sleep apnea
9. Oral cancer
10. Benign oral pathology (noncancerous growths)
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Different Types of Oral Surgery:
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1. Tooth Extraction: The most common oral surgery is the removal of teeth. It may be necessary due to severe decay, gum disease, dental trauma, or complications with wisdom teeth. Extractions are sometimes performed to prepare for dentures or other prosthetic devices.
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2. Dental Bone Graft: If you have experienced bone loss in your jaw, a dental bone graft may be required. This procedure restores volume and density in the jawbone, facilitating the placement of dental implants. Bone grafts can also be performed during periodontal surgery to stabilize teeth affected by advanced gum disease.
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3. Dental Implants: Dental implants are considered a durable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They involve the insertion of small posts made of titanium or zirconia into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, implants can be restored with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.
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4. Periodontal Surgery: For moderate or severe periodontitis (gum disease), a gum specialist may recommend periodontal surgery. This procedure involves incisions along the gum line, temporarily moving the tissue away from the teeth to clean the tooth roots and remove accumulated plaque and bacteria. Gum recession can also be addressed with a gum graft, where donor tissue is used to reinforce areas of tissue loss.
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5. Corrective Jaw Surgery: Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects skeletal abnormalities in the jaw. This procedure aims to improve chewing function, correct misalignment, and address facial imbalances. It can also alleviate pain caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
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6. Sleep Apnea Surgery: Severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may require surgical intervention. When conservative methods such as oral appliance therapy or CPAP machines are insufficient, sleep apnea surgery can help alleviate symptoms by addressing the obstruction in the airway during sleep.
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7. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons commonly perform cleft lip and palate repair to address congenital conditions where a baby is born with an opening in the upper lip, roof of the mouth, or both. These procedures restore normal eating function and aid in the child's speech development.
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Specialists Performing Oral Surgery:
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Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform surgery on the mouth, jaw, and face. They undergo three to four years of additional training after dental school. Periodontists, who specialize in gum health, also perform oral surgery related to gums and supporting bone structures. Like oral surgeons, periodontists receive additional training after dental school.
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When faced with oral health issues that require surgical intervention, consulting with an oral surgeon or periodontist is essential to receive specialized care and achieve optimal results.