When you mention “surgery” to the average person, they will likely imagine some procedure done in a hospital operating room, possibly with medical students looking on. Despite this presumption, surgical procedures can also involve the jaw, teeth, and gums. But these types of surgeries don’t need to be carried out at a hospital; they can be carried out in a dental or orthodontist’s office.
But what exactly is oral surgery and what types of procedures does it include? Let’s take a look!
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is any surgical procedure that had to do with the mouth or jaw. These procedures are performed by dental specialists who have trained in this specific discipline of care. There are several reasons why someone may require oral surgery, such as the following:
Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can become impacted when they become snagged within the gums or jawbone. Left unchecked, the impaction can lead to infection, tooth decay, and gingivitis.
Dental Implants
An implant replaces the root of one or more teeth and serves as a foundation for replacements. Because these implants are fused to the jawbone, artificial teeth will have a reliable foundation. This procedure requires three pieces: the implant, which is screwed into the jaw, an abutment to tether and support the replacement teeth, and the crown, the durable part that is visible when looking into the mouth.
Root Canals
This procedure is used to cleanse an infected root canal of bacteria, putting an end to the pain that such infections can cause and also saving the tooth and safeguarding against future infections.
Repair of Damaged Teeth
Severe chips and cracks in teeth can be managed with dental glue, bonding, veneers, a filling, or a crown, depending on your specific circumstances.
Repair of the Jaw
Sometimes an injury causes trauma to the jaw and requires surgical intervention to correct the issue.
Gum Graft
This procedure is among the most common oral surgeries in the United States and deals with receding gums that leave the teeth’s roots exposed and at risk of decay. Your dental specialist will administer anesthesia to the treatment area and then extract a portion of your healthy gums. That section will then be grafted over the receding gums.
Maxillofacial Surgery
This specialization covers any surgery intended to correct a disease, injury, or defect within the bones and tissues of the jaw and lower face (the maxillofacial region).
Schedule a Consultation
If you are at all concerned that you may need surgical intervention to your mouth or jaw, the staff at Fennell Yoxthimer and Associates is more than happy to get your oral health back to where it should be. Start your journey by scheduling a consultation today. Call our Cincinnati, OH, office at (513) 631-6600 or use our online contact form. We look forward to seeing you leave with a brilliant smile.
