What Is Oral Surgery?
Not all dental treatments are straightforward. Sometimes, we need procedures that are more invasive to restore the function and appearance of our smiles. This is known as oral surgery and is performed by an oral surgeon specialist or highly-experienced general dentist who has the skills and experience to complete more complex dental procedures.
Common Oral Surgery Cases
There are various types of oral surgery, and some of these procedures are more often performed than others. Here are some of the most common cases for oral surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth removed. This is because they erupt last, and there often isn’t enough space in the gum to accommodate them. This can lead to impaction, infections and severe dental pain. Since they are located at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular ways of replacing missing teeth. Their design includes a titanium post placed into the jawbone, and oral surgery is the only way to do this. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth which restores the function and appearance of your teeth.
Tooth Extractions
Oral surgery is needed for more complex tooth extractions, such as when the tooth needs to be broken into pieces before it is removed. Tooth extractions are normally needed where severe decay or trauma makes the affected tooth irreparable. Removal is the best way to preserve the health of your other remaining teeth.
You May Have to Take Specific Steps to Prepare
Depending on the type of oral surgery you will be having, your oral surgeon may ask you to take specific steps to prepare. This could include giving up smoking, stopping taking certain medications and scheduling some time off of work beforehand. It’s important to follow these instructions as they could help minimize your risk of complications.
Getting Your Oral Surgery at West Coast Dental and Magicland Children's Dental
If you need dental treatment that requires oral surgery, West Coast Dental and Magicland Children’s Dental can ensure that you receive the care you need. Here are just some of the reasons why patients choose us.
Team of Highly-Experienced Oral Surgeons and Exodontists
When it comes to surgical procedures, you want to feel reassured that you are in safe and experienced hands. Our surgical team is made up of board-certified oral surgeons and highly-experienced general dentists with concentration in oral surgery procedures (exodontists). Their enhanced skills and experience will be evident from the quality of their work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Oral and maxillofacial surgery refers to surgical procedures that are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, face and neck.
Virtually all oral surgery procedures are carried out using anesthetic of some description. When possible, you will have your surgery using only local anesthetic. This is where the area being worked on is numb, but you remain awake and aware. In some instances, it may be necessary for patients to have a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation — meaning you would be put to sleep during the procedure.
You’ll be advised to avoid eating for several hours after your surgery, at least until the anesthetic has worn off. This is because if your mouth is numb, you could accidentally bite the inside of your mouth or your tongue and cause damage. Your dental surgeon will be able to advise you when you will be able to resume eating. Although, you may be recommended to stick to a soft diet for an amount of time.
Most patients can recover from their surgery and feel fairly back to normal within 48 hours of their procedure. However, healing can take a number of days or weeks longer. This will depend on the type of surgery you have had.
There are ranges of circumstances in which oral surgery may be necessary. These include:
⦁ Impacted teeth
⦁ Teeth that are damaged or decayed beyond repair
⦁ Jaw pain or jaw misalignment
⦁ Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
⦁ Being diagnosed with TMD (commonly known as TMJ)
⦁ A severe facial infection
⦁ Missing teeth or a denture/bridge than no longer fits properly
· An unusual lump, bump or area of skin inside the mouth
The cost of oral surgery really depends on the reason why it is being performed, and if any further treatment is needed. For example, taking a biopsy is normally less expensive that having a tooth removed. Your oral surgeon will be able to give you a quote based on your individual needs. Many surgeries may be covered by insurance. Check your policy for details.
Not all tooth extractions require surgery, but there are some cases in which surgery is the safest and most effective option. This includes impacted teeth which need to be freed from surrounding and covering structures (skin/gums) and teeth which need to be broken into pieces to remove them.
Wisdom tooth removal can be complex and require the additional skills and experience that can be offered by an oral surgeon. In addition, dentists are unable to provide general anesthetic. So, if you want to be asleep during your procedure, you will need it to be performed by an oral surgeon.
There is no right or wrong time for wisdom teeth removal. An oral surgeon will be able to advise you on if you need this procedure, and if so, when you should have your wisdom teeth removed. Since these teeth don’t erupt until the late teenage years or early adulthood, most patients who opt for removal surgery do so in their 20s.
