Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed on your teeth, gums, jaws, or other oral tissues. This includes extractions, gum grafts, implants, and jaw treatments. In most cases, oral surgery is generally performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist. These professionals have obtained particular training in performing oral surgery and are dentists.
Defining Oral Surgery
Any procedure that is done on your teeth, gums, jaw, or nearby oral and face structures is referred to as oral surgery. Corrective jaw surgery, periodontal (gum) grafts, teeth extractions, and dental bone grafts are only a few of the many operations that are included under it.
Why Do Oral Surgeries Happen?
You may need to opt for oral surgery for a variety of reasons. It might be suggested by your dentist if you have any of the following:
- Terribly cracked teeth.
- Benign oral pathology (lumps or pimples that are not malignant).
- Absence of teeth.
- Broken teeth.
- Your jaw is losing bone.
- Sleep Apnea
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMD).
- Gum illness.
- Mouth cancer.
- Tooth decay that is severe.
What kinds of oral surgery are there?
Many types of oral surgeries are performed every year. Some of the most common procedures are as follows:
- Dental bone grafts
- Periodontal surgery
- Tooth extraction
- Orthognathic Jaw Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery
- Cleft lip and palate repair surgery
- Dental implants
- Sleep Apnea surgery
Dental Bone Graft: Chances are you will need to opt for a dental bone graft if there has been some kind of jawbone loss. There are some reasons why this could happen. Your natural teeth’s roots stimulate the nerves in your jaw when they are present. This instructs your brain to provide your jaw with nourishing nutrients to keep it robust. Since there are no roots to stimulate the nerves, long-term tooth loss can lead to bone deterioration in the area. Your jawbone needs to be repaired in volume and density with a dental bone graft in order to afterwards place dental implants.
Your doctor may occasionally implant a bone transplant during periodontal surgery. If your gum disease has progressed, the bone that surrounds your teeth may start to deteriorate. Your teeth are kept strong and healthy by a bone graft because it minimizes movement and gives them a solid foundation.
Gum/Periodontal Surgery: If you have moderate or severe periodontitis, a gum specialist might suggest that you start gum disease therapy. During this procedure, incisions are made along your gum line, and the tissue is briefly pushed away from your teeth. Then, when they clean the tooth roots, the surgeon will drain away the plaque and bacteria that has amassed under your gums. Finally, the gum tissue is replaced and secured in place using sutures.
Periodontitis can occasionally result in gum recession. In some scenarios, a gum graft can be deemed necessary. Your surgeon may use tissue from a donor in order to support the lost tissue during this treatment. You can either get this tissue from the roof of your mouth or buy it from a licensed tissue bank.
Tooth Extraction: The most frequent form of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Your surgeon may recommend a tooth extraction if you have extreme tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), any kind of dental trauma, or issues with your wisdom teeth. It could be necessary to have some of your teeth extracted in order to prepare for dentures or other prosthetic appliances.
As much as possible, most dentists try to keep as much of your natural teeth as they can, but occasionally extractions have to be done in order to protect your general oral health. Furthermore, a lot of dentists advise wisdom tooth removal as a preventative strategy to lessen the risk for bone loss, cavities and any other issues.
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery or Corrective Jaw Surgery: Orthognathic surgery, also referred to as corrective jaw surgery, addresses problems with the jaw bones’ skeletal structure. It may be suggested to use this technique to improve chewing efficiency, correct misalignments, and balance face abnormalities. Another option for treating TMJ dysfunction (TMD) pain is corrective jaw surgery.
Correction of Cleft Lip and Palate: The upper lip of a newborn with cleft lip is split, whereas the roof of the mouth is split in newborns with cleft palate. Some infants are born with both disorders. When the facial features do not fully develop in the uterus, cleft lip and palates result. Cleft lip and palate surgery is frequently carried out by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in order to restore normal feeding function and aid a kid in later developing appropriate speaking patterns.
Dental Implants: It is a general consensus that dental implants are among the most dependable and long-lasting tooth replacement alternatives available. These small thread-like posts, that are made of zirconia or titanium and of the most premium quality, are inserted into your jaw to replace the roots of lost or missing teeth. Dental crowns, dental bridges, and even dentures can then be used to repair implants after they have healed.
Surgery for Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the name of the condition that occurs when the tissues in the back of your throat contract and block your airway while you are sleeping. Conservative therapies for OSA, such as oral appliance therapy or the use of a CPAP machine, can occasionally be successful. However, in serious circumstances, surgery may be required.
What Takes Place Before An Oral Surgery?
A complete examination of your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and supporting structures will be performed by your dentist. They will also take dental X-rays and scans to get a clear picture of your tooth roots, jawbone, nerves, and other important oral landmarks. Based on this data, they will develop a unique treatment strategy.
What Takes Place During An Oral Surgery?
In some cases, oral surgery is carried out in a dental office as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon may suggest nitrous oxide, oral medications, or light or moderate intravenous (IV) sedation for your comfort. In other instances, oral surgery may be carried out in a hospital under general anesthetic.
Who Carries Out Dental Surgery?
Surgery on the mouth, jaw, and face is done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon . A periodontist, also referred to as a gum specialist, performs procedures on the gums and bones that support your teeth. Oral surgeons and periodontists must finish an extra three to four years of education after graduating from dental school.
How Much Time Is Needed For Oral Surgery?
The duration of your procedure depends on the sort of oral surgery you’re having, the number of teeth being worked on, and if you choose sedation. The average time for a single tooth extraction is 30 minutes, whereas the time for a more involved procedure, like corrective jaw surgery, is normally two to three hours.
What Occurs Following Oral Surgery?
You’ll receive thorough post-operative instructions after your oral surgery operation. You must strictly adhere to these instructions if you want to lower your risk of bleeding, infection, and other problems.
What Benefits Might Oral Surgery Provide?
Your teeth, gums, and jaw joints must all operate properly for maximum dental health. Oral surgery’s primary goal is to fix any issues that are detrimental to your health or quality of life.
What Dangers Or Issues Could Arise From Having Oral Surgery?
You should be aware of any risks or potential consequences before having oral surgery, as with any treatment. These may consist of:
- Damage to the teeth next to it.
- Infection.
- Pieces of a tooth’s root.
- Dry socket is a condition where the blood clotting process is interfered with and can happen after extractions.
- Sinus issues.
- Numbness.
By sticking to your post-operative instructions and taking all medications as directed, you can reduce your risk of developing these issues. If any of these negative effects appear, be sure to get in touch with your healthcare provider for detailed instructions.
How Long Does Recuperation Take?
Although recovery times differ from person to person and case to case, most people are back to their normal selves in about a week’s time. Recovery will probably take more time if the oral surgery has been more intense. To keep you comfortable during this time, your doctor will give you medication.
When Can I Go Back to Work/College/School?
In one to three days, the majority of people are able to return to work or school. It could take a little longer for bigger treatments, such corrective jaw surgery.
Eating Soft Foods After Oral Surgery
After oral surgery, stay away from crunchy and hard foods to encourage healing. Instead, keep soft meals like yogurt, soup, spaghetti, rice, eggs, mashed potatoes, fish, pudding, etc. stocked in your refrigerator and pantry. Try popsicles, ice cream, and milkshakes for cool, refreshing options. Foods that are cold might calm the surgery region.
When Should I Be Making An Appointment To See My Doctor?
If you are experiencing tooth, gum, or jaw pain, call your doctor straight away to make an appointment. Call your surgeon right away if you just had oral surgery and experience discomfort that doesn’t go away with medicines, a fever of 100.4 F or higher, or drainage at the surgical site.
Oral Surgery: Dental or Medical?
The majority of oral surgery is covered by dental benefits when it comes to insurance. Oral surgery is occasionally, nonetheless, covered by health insurance. For instance, your medical insurance will probably pay for oral surgery if you need it in a hospital environment after an accident. However, since plans and policies differ, get further information from your healthcare practitioner. In short, some but not all oral surgical operations will be covered by medical insurance.
These cautionary indicators may point to an illness that has to be treated right away.
Your surgeon can deliver superior care using less intrusive techniques thanks to modern surgical tools. Oral surgery can enhance your quality of life by restoring the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints as well as by reducing your uncomfortable symptoms.
We want your oral surgery experience to be the best it can be. Call us at (971) 423-6804 so we can help you set up a consultation with one of our knowledgeable and personable doctors.
