Oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet many individuals may not be fully aware of the various dental procedures available to address complex dental issues. Oral surgery is a subspecialty branch of dentistry dealing with diagnosing and treating problems related to the mouth, jaw, and other facial structures. While one may think that oral surgery is to extract teeth, several procedures address other dental and medical needs. The following are the 5 most common types of oral surgery and their importance and purposes so that one may know when they might be necessary.
The 5 Most Common Types of Oral Surgery and Their Importance
- Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is perhaps the most popular form of oral surgery around the world. A dentist tries their best to maintain the patient’s natural teeth in place. In some conditions, however, these cannot be kept. Sometimes the tooth can’t be kept as it becomes affected by extreme decay, infection, trauma, or overcrowding.
Extractions are most frequent for wisdom teeth. Wisdom or third molars are usually subjected to insufficient spaces in the molar region hence causing pain infection, and displacing other dentition. If they are occluded beneath the gums, surgical removal is deemed necessary to reduce the risk factors of further morbidity.
It is performed under local or general anesthesia depending upon the requirements of the patient. Recovery will be normal in a couple of days with mild soreness, swelling, and restriction of diet.
- Surgery Involved in Placing Dental Implants
It is an effective treatment for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Compared to dentures or bridges, dental implants have a permanent and natural appearance which is not only about aesthetics but also functionality.
This procedure works on the principle where a titanium post is used that acts as an artificial tooth root. Gradually, bone tissue unites with this implant via a process called osseointegration, providing a strong foundation for the fixed custom crown.
Along with the future of a smile, comfort in chewing and speaking is improved. The implants help keep the jawbone within the body part following the loss of the teeth. Although there are several stages involved in the healing period, the long-term benefits make it the most preferred treatment for many patients.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery-Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects a misaligned bite. Some children are born with jaw discrepancies, while others get problems due to injury, abnormal growth, or TMJ disorders.
This treatment for oral surgery can correct various conditions of a patient’s bite; facial asymmetry; breathing complications; and recurrent jaw pain. Orthognathic surgery works on the two functions and looks through the repositioning of jaws to their corresponding proper positions within the mouth.
It has a relatively long recovery period, mainly because it involves the jawbone’s time for healing. Nevertheless, it highly improves patients’ oral functions, facial harmonies, and quality of life.
- Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy)
The most common dental treatment performed is a root canal, and sometimes, oral surgery becomes necessary. An apicoectomy or root-end surgery is required when standard treatment of a root canal does not completely remove the infection at the tip of the root.
During the process of an apicoectomy, the affected root part of the tooth is avulsed through oral surgery; and there must be sealing through the implant of sealant materials within to stop reinfection from the mouth tissue that will ensure that it would be able to save a person’s original teeth instead of the necessity for removing the dental tissues.
- Gum Graft Surgery
Gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or even genetic predisposition. When gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth, and this exposes them to sensitivity and decay. Moreover, an unsightly smile becomes apparent. Thus, gum graft surgery is one of the solutions for the re-establishment of lost gum tissue and protection of oral health.
This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth, often the palate, and grafting it onto the affected area. The purpose is to cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further gum recession.
It improves the oral hygiene of the individual as well as beautifies the gum and tooth appearance. It does not inflict extreme pain upon the patient in the treatment; however, for about two days after the process, it pains, which the patient can endure due to the output of the process.
Significance of Oral Surgery in Oral Health
This would be very essential in determining the need to seek professional help and will be able to enlighten one on oral surgery types. Oral surgery can treat many dental problems so that aesthetic as well as functional improvements can be brought about.
Surgery is a scary idea, but the development in dental technology as well as anesthesia has made the procedure pretty efficient as well as pain-free for the patient. Oral surgeons can determine the best approach for a specific dental issue.
Maintaining strong, healthy teeth and enjoying a confident smile for years to come is achievable with proper oral health and timely treatment.
