A specialized branch of dentistry known as oral surgery is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and problems requiring surgical intervention in the oral and maxillofacial areas. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental experts who have undergone additional years of study apart from dental school to develop the skills and knowledge required for surgical operations affecting the mouth, jaw, and facial tissues.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
- Extraction of teeth: Oral surgeons frequently remove complicated or impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted or are posing problems.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that oral surgeons can put. They are used to support dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery): This procedure is used to treat congenital jaw deformities or jaw misalignments, enhancing facial appearance, function, and bite.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Oral surgeons can treat TMJ-related diseases such as persistent jaw discomfort, popping or clicking of the joint, and difficulties moving the jaw.
- Facial trauma: Oral surgeons are qualified to treat accident-related face injuries such as broken jaws, cheekbones, or eye sockets.
- Corrective jaw surgery: This treatment is used to treat severe jaw and face abnormalities that affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, breathe, or appear.
- Oral pathology: Oral surgeons can perform surgical procedures to treat lesions, cysts, and tumours in the mouth cavity as well as other oral disorders.
- Cleft lip and palate repair: The interdisciplinary treatment of cleft lip and palate disorders, which includes surgical correction, may involve oral surgeons.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that oral surgery requires specific training, and not all dentists are capable of carrying out these treatments. It is advisable to contact an oral surgeon who can assess your condition and offer suitable care if you have a specific oral health problem or require surgical treatment.
When Do You Need Oral Surgery
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are frequently impacted or only partially erupted because there is not enough room for them to do so. To remove impacted wisdom teeth that are causing discomfort, infection, or other dental problems, oral surgery is frequently necessary.
- Tooth extractions: The extraction of badly decaying, infected, or severely damaged teeth that cannot be preserved by conventional dental procedures may need oral surgery. In order to provide room for appropriate tooth alignment during orthodontic treatment, extraction may also be necessary.
- Dental implant placement: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to support dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Typically, an oral surgeon will undertake the surgical procedure to insert dental implants into the jawbone.
- Jaw-related problems: Orthognathic surgery, often known as mouth surgery, may be advised if you have a misaligned jaw or a condition like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction in order to repair the alignment and enhance function.
- Facial trauma: Oral surgeons are educated to treat face injuries brought on by trauma or accidents. They can restore both functioning and appearance by treating fractures of the jaw, cheeks, or eye sockets.
- Treatment of oral diseases: Surgery may be used by oral surgeons to detect and treat oral disorders such cysts, tumours, lesions, or infections in the mouth cavity.
- Treatment for sleep apnea: Oral surgery may be a possibility in some cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The disease can be treated with surgery to remove extra tissue, realign the jaw, or correct other anatomical issues.
- Enhancements for cosmetic reasons: Oral surgical operations like orthognathic surgery, jaw recontouring, or gum reshaping can be carried out to enhance face cosmetics and provide a more balanced and appealing look.
Common Myths and Facts
- Myth: Pain is a constant component of oral surgery.
Fact: Thanks to recent developments in anesthesia and pain control, oral surgical procedures can often be carried out with minimal discomfort. The region is numbed with local anesthesia, and in some circumstances, sedation or general anesthesia may be used to ensure that the surgery is painless. Prescribed drugs can successfully treat post-operative discomfort.
- Myth: Only severe issues require oral surgery.
Fact: While oral surgery is frequently associated with complicated or advanced situations, it is also employed for many common operations. Examples include dental implant insertion, corrective jaw surgery, and tooth extractions. From impacted wisdom teeth and tooth injuries to aesthetic improvements and oral pathology, oral surgery may treat a variety of conditions.
- Myth: It takes a long time to recover after oral surgery.
Fact: The length of time needed to recover after oral surgery varies based on the treatment done and each patient’s capacity for healing. Many patients may return to their usual activities quickly after multiple procedures, even if others may need a few days of recovery. Following the oral surgeon’s post-operative recommendations, such as maintaining good mouth hygiene and abiding by food restrictions, helps hasten recovery.
- Myth: Oral surgery is costly.
Fact: A number of factors, including the complexities of the treatment, the patient’s location, and dental insurance coverage, affect the total cost of oral surgery. Even while certain oral operations can be more expensive than regular dental care, it’s crucial to weigh the potential improvements in oral health and the long-term advantages of these procedures. Oral surgery near you might be more reasonably priced with the aid of dental insurance policies or financing choices.
- Myth: Oral surgery can be performed by any dentist.
Fact: Beyond general dentistry, oral surgery involves specific knowledge, abilities, and training. To qualify for performing surgical treatments affecting the oral and facial tissues, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete extra years of study and residency programs. While routine extractions can be performed by general dentists, complicated operations or treatments involving the jaw, facial injuries, or oral pathology are best left in the hands of an accomplished dentist near you.
It’s crucial to remember that whether or not Oral Surgery in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC is necessary depends on the specifics of each case and the advice of a dentist or oral surgeon.
A dentist in Vancouver, BC will evaluate the state of your dental health, do a complete examination, and offer customized treatment choices depending on your unique requirements.
