What are the top oral surgery services? A general practice or family dentist can't address every oral issue. This is where an oral surgeon comes in. From extractions to implants, take a look at the top reasons to visit one of these dental specialists.
Teeth Extraction
A tooth extraction is exactly what the name sounds like. The surgeon will extract, or remove, the tooth from your mouth. There are a few different reasons to have this common dental procedure. According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the majority of the participants cited dental caries (cavities) as the reason for a tooth extraction. This was followed by periodontal (gum) disease.
Along with cavities or decay and gum disease, injuries and overcrowding can also result in the need for extraction. A damaged tooth that is cracked or chipped beyond repair may need to come out. Failure to remove the tooth could cause serious lingering or chronic pain or increase the risk of infection.
A general or family practice dentist can usually perform a simple extraction. But if the tooth has significant decay or a serious injury or the removal requires a complex approach, you will need to visit an oral surgeon.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Unlike general tooth extraction, a wisdom tooth removal may have nothing to do with decay, an infection, or an injury. This type of oral surgery is necessary when the wisdom teeth crowd the surrounding teeth or don't have room to break through the surface.
If these molars are crowded and have little to no room to come in, they could cause pain and other dental problems. Crowded wisdom teeth can also put pressure on the other teeth, forcing them out of alignment. This can affect the way you speak, eat, and look. This type of crowding can also make it more likely that your teeth will trap food and debris. The result is an increased risk of decay or infection.
An oral surgeon can remove some or all of the teeth in one visit. Most wisdom teeth extractions require the use of sedation/anesthesia. This allows you to relax and rest during the procedure, making it almost pain-free.
Dental Implant Surgery
What happens to the empty space in your mouth after a tooth extraction? If you have wisdom tooth surgery, the empty space can alleviate crowding. But if you remove another tooth, the space will leave behind a noticeable gap. Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are anchored to the jaw bone. The part of the implant below the surface of the gum line fuses to the bone and becomes a permanent part of your mouth. The dentist then places a crown or false tooth on top to complete the prosthetic system.
Contact a dentist to learn more about oral surgery.
Share28 April 2023
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