6 Common Types of Oral Surgeries
Oral and maxillofacial surgery can include operations on the teeth, jaws, and other facial tissues. While tooth extraction is the most frequent type of oral surgery, some maxillofacial surgeons may also treat disorders such as the cleft palate and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These professionals have extensive specialized training that extends far beyond conventional dentistry. The following are the most common types of oral surgery The Woodlands:
- Tooth extraction
Every year, millions have a tooth extracted for various reasons. Wear and tear or decay can often cause a tooth to fracture or get infected, necessitating extraction by a trained oral surgeon. You will be given a numbing medication to make the operation painless during oral surgery for tooth extraction. The oral surgeon will extract your tooth, clean up the socket (the space in the jaw that the tooth previously occupied), and maybe stitch the incision to help it recover.
- Dental implants
Dental implants are usually considered the most dependable and long-lasting tooth replacement alternative. These little threaded posts, made of medical-grade titanium or zirconia, are implanted into your jaw to replace lost tooth roots. After healing, the implants can be repaired with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Cleft lip and palate repair
A kid born with a cleft lip has an opening in their upper lip, whereas a baby born with a cleft palate has an opening in their mouth’s roof. However, some kids are born with both disorders. Cleft lip and palate happen when the facial components do not fully develop in the uterus. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often perform cleft lip and palate surgery to restore normal eating function and assist your kid in acquiring correct speech patterns later in life.
- Facial reconstruction
Most types of trauma can shatter face bones or knock teeth out. Following an injury, oral surgeons can conduct reconstructive treatments to restore the function and look of the face, jaw, and mouth cavity. Depending on the severity of the damage, face restoration may necessitate many procedures spread out over months or even years. These procedures are frequently performed under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Apicoectomy
Apicoectomies are performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons when a root canal operation cannot be completed since the tooth’s root is hooked at the bottom, preventing the root canal file from reaching the root tip. Nerve material cannot be removed because dental equipment cannot reach the tip of the root. This, in turn, may result in an infection. An oral surgeon performs an apicoectomy by removing the root tip and filling the gap with inert material.
- Sleep apnea surgery
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the tissues in the back of your throat collapse and restrict your airway while you sleep. Conservative approaches, such as oral appliance therapy or a CPAP machine, can sometimes successfully address OSA. However, severe instances may necessitate surgical intervention.
Modern surgical technologies enable your surgeon to deliver sophisticated care in less invasive ways. Oral surgery can enhance your quality of life by restoring the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints and relieving uncomfortable symptoms. Call Scott Young, DDS, to schedule your appointment today to determine the best oral surgeries for you.