An Oral Surgeon Discusses Common Procedures

An oral surgeon can provide necessary dental procedures that correct your appearance and dental function. Your dentist can refer you to this dental care provider if you have a complicated oral issue. Knowing the procedures available can help prepare you for your next appointment. Here are the common procedures that your oral surgeon will discuss with you.

Dental extractions

This type of procedure applies to infected, damaged, or impacted teeth. An oral surgeon can remove at least one severely infected or damaged tooth if other treatments cannot repair it. In kids, the surgeon will place space maintainers in the dental spaces until the permanent teeth erupt. In adults, the surgeon needs to replace the tooth with a denture, bridge, or implant.

Impacted teeth are teeth that did not erupt out of the gumline. Impaction is common in wisdom teeth. This condition causes the tooth to push against the neighboring teeth underneath the gumline. Impacted teeth can also cause pain and overcrowding. An oral surgeon can remove impacted teeth to relieve pain. This procedure can also help correct overcrowding.

For wisdom tooth removal, the surgeon must assess the area first. Ordering dental X-rays and digital scans can help the dentist determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary. If it is, the oral surgeon will schedule the procedure. Scheduling will include the patient’s preferred type of dental sedation.

Dental implant surgery

Tooth loss will leave dental spaces between the remaining teeth. Removable dentures can cause instability and more tooth loss. Dental bridges can deteriorate the natural abutment teeth. The most lasting dental replacements are dental implants.

Dental implant surgery will start by numbing the area. Cutting through the gum tissue and drilling implant holes into the jawbone will follow. Titanium rods will fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. This provides a strong foundation for the abutments and artificial crowns. Getting dental implants may be invasive, but it provides stability and a higher level of self-esteem.

Root canal treatment

Every oral surgeon wants to keep each tooth intact. A damaged or infected tooth will go through a thorough assessment first. If the damage or decay reaches the pulp, the surgeon will perform a root canal. This procedure will end the pain and maintain the remaining dental structure.

A local anesthetic will numb the tooth and the area around it. Then, the oral surgeon will create an opening into the tooth. Cleaning the damaged pulp out will come next. Disinfecting and drying the pulp cavity will follow. Filling the pulp cavity with gutta-percha will replace the natural pulp. The oral surgeon will also place a custom-fit dental crown over the treated tooth for strength, stability, and protection from future damage.

Jaw surgery

Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, can lead to symptoms like headaches and jaw pain. Once the surgeon assesses the problem, creating the patient’s custom-fit treatment plan will follow. An ideal type of dental sedation will also be part of the consultation. An oral surgeon can correct the disorder by targeting the joint that attaches the lower jaw to the skull.

Bone grafting

Tooth loss often results in jawbone loss. This condition may not qualify an individual for dental implant surgery. Bone grafting can thicken and strengthen a section of jawbone that needs dental implants. The oral surgeon will place healthy bone in the section of the thinning jawbone.

Complete healing will need months of recovery. The jawbone will thicken enough during this time. The oral surgeon can then begin the implant surgery. The patient can then enjoy the benefits of having dental implants.

What one should look forward to during these procedures

An oral surgeon is a dental care provider who can restructure the jaw, teeth, and gums. It is a huge decision for anyone to go through any of the mentioned procedures. Knowing what oral surgery entails can help prepare the patient for it. Here are the things to look forward to:

• Preparing for the surgery will involve not consuming food or drinks 12 hours before the procedure. Almost all oral surgeries will need anesthetics. This collection of drugs will result in drowsiness and disorientation. The patient should make arrangements before the procedure. These will include finding a relative or friend to assist and drive the patient home. Stocking up on liquids and soft foods can assist in the mouth’s proper healing.
• The oral surgeon will stress the fact that the procedures can take a significant amount of time.
• Recovering from oral surgery will take at least a week of complete rest. Taking pain relievers can help manage the discomfort.

Your oral surgeon can help you go through any procedure, from assessment to recovery

A regular checkup may lead to a referral to an oral surgeon. This dental care professional will conduct another assessment to determine if you need oral surgery. If you do, you will receive directions on how to prepare for your procedure the right way. Working with your oral surgeon and general dentist can prevent complications and speed up your recovery.

Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery in Arroyo Grande, CA.