Going to the dentist can be nerve-wracking, especially if you need oral surgery. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help ease your anxiety and make the process smoother.
In this blog, we’ll go over the top five most common types of oral surgery and what you can expect from them.
Table of Contents
- What Is Oral Surgery?
- What Are the Most Common Oral Surgeries?
- Oral Facial & Implant Specialists: Your Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery involves any surgical procedure performed in or around the mouth and jaw. It is typically done by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has completed additional years of specialized training beyond dental school.
Oral surgery can be necessary for various reasons, including correcting bite issues, removing impacted wisdom teeth, or treating diseases or injuries to the jaw.
By correcting problems at their root, oral surgery can improve your overall oral health and prevent future complications.
Key Takeaway
Oral surgery is performed in or around the mouth and jaw by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. The most common oral surgeries include tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, oral biopsy, and dental bone grafting. These procedures are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and can prevent future complications.
What Are the Most Common Oral Surgeries?
1. Tooth Extraction
During tooth extraction, a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. Removing a tooth can prevent the spread of infection and make way for a new, healthy tooth or dental implant. It is also a preparatory step for orthodontic treatment in some cases.
Tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed oral surgeries and may be necessary for various reasons, such as:
- Severe tooth decay
- Tooth damage from trauma
- Infection
- Overcrowding
The Process
Tooth extraction is typically a straightforward and relatively quick procedure.
- Your oral surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
- An incision will be made in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
- They will gently loosen and remove the tooth from its socket using specialized tools.
- In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the extraction site.
- Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent infection.
2. Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth can cause problems when there isn’t enough room to emerge properly, so wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery.
The Process
The process for wisdom tooth extraction is similar to that of tooth extraction. However, since wisdom teeth are often impacted or partially emerged, the procedure may be more complex and require incisions into the gum tissue to access the tooth fully. Recovery may also take longer, and your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort.
3. Dental Implants
Dental implants, made from titanium alloy or zirconia, are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. They are an innovative solution for tooth loss, offering a more natural tooth replacement than dentures.
The Process
Dental implant surgery typically involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your oral surgeon. Here’s an outline of what to expect:
- Initial consultation: At your first visit, your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
- Preparation: If necessary, your surgeon will perform bone grafting or tooth extraction before the implant procedure can begin.
- Implant placement: Titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots.
- Healing: This period, called osseointegration, can take several months for the implants to fuse fully with the jawbone.
- Abutment placement: Once the implants are firmly in place, an abutment is attached, which connects the implant to a crown or bridge.
- Crown or bridge placement: After taking impressions of your mouth, a custom-made crown or bridge will be attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process.
4. Oral Biopsy
When there’s a suspicion of oral health issues concerning the soft tissues of the mouth, an oral biopsy might be necessary. Common reasons for an oral biopsy include:
- Persistent sores
- Lump in the mouth
- Lesions on the gum tissue
The Process
An oral biopsy is a minor procedure done at the dentist’s office. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, your dentist will take a small tissue sample from the oral cavity and send it for testing.
5. Dental Bone Grafting
Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or strengthens the jawbone. It may be necessary if you have suffered bone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or injury.
The Process
During a dental bone graft, your oral surgeon will use special materials to stimulate new bone growth and help restore the structure of the jaw. The process of bone grafting involves:
- Preparation: Your surgeon will assess the extent of bone loss and determine the best technique for your case.
- Grafting procedure: A small incision is made in the gums to access the jawbone, and grafting materials are applied.
- Healing: It can take several months for the new bone tissue to develop and integrate with the existing bone.
- Follow-up: Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
Oral Facial & Implant Specialists: Your Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
Oral surgery is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health. It can correct issues with teeth, jaws, and mouth. These surgeries can improve oral health and prevent future complications.
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, we offer comprehensive care that combines advanced technology with a compassionate touch.
We offer various dental sedation options for your comfort throughout your dental journey, from simple extractions to complex bone grafting or implants. Our goal is to provide top-tier care while making you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way.
If you’re looking for an ‘oral surgeon near me,’ look no further. Oral Facial & Implant Specialists is here for you. Call (847) 381-0106 or complete our online booking form today.
