Have you ever wondered what kind of issues are commonly treated by oral surgeons? Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry, which deals with a variety of issues that require more involved treatments. In this blog, we will be discussing the five most common oral surgery issues and how they can be addressed. From tooth extractions to dental implants, we will cover the treatments that oral surgeons provide to their patients. Each issue will be discussed in detail to give you a better understanding of the treatments available. So, if you have any oral surgery issues, this blog post is a must-read for you.
1) Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery treatments that many individuals may face at some point in their lives. When a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or impacted, extraction may be necessary to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and preserve overall oral health. Oral surgeons are highly skilled in performing this procedure to safely and efficiently remove problematic teeth.
During a tooth extraction, the oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. Depending on the complexity of the case, the extraction may be a simple extraction, where the tooth is easily accessible and removed, or a surgical extraction, which requires a more involved procedure to access and extract the tooth. The oral surgeon will carefully assess the situation and determine the most appropriate approach.
Recovery from a tooth extraction can vary from person to person, but it typically involves some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding for a few days. Following the oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, such as taking prescribed pain medication, applying ice packs, and practicing good oral hygiene, is crucial for a smooth and successful recovery.
Remember, if you are experiencing dental issues that require tooth extraction, it’s important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon from Chesapeake Dental Specialists. They will provide you with the necessary oral surgery treatment and ensure your comfort throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional help to address your oral health needs.
2) Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is another common oral surgery procedure that many individuals will encounter at some point in their lives. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth, usually in the late teens or early twenties. However, they often don’t have enough space to properly erupt, leading to a range of issues.
When wisdom teeth become impacted or grow at odd angles, they can cause severe dental issues. These include pain, swelling, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and even the formation of cysts or tumors. To prevent these problems, oral surgeons often recommend the removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. They will then carefully remove the wisdom teeth, making incisions if necessary, and may need to section the teeth into smaller pieces for easier extraction. The oral surgeon will then suture the extraction sites as needed.
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal can vary, but most patients experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding for a few days. It’s important to follow the oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which may include applying ice packs, taking prescribed pain medication, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to consult with an experienced oral surgeon who can evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action. Wisdom teeth removal can help prevent future dental problems and promote overall oral health. So don’t delay seeking professional help from Chesapeake Dental Specialists to address any wisdom teeth concerns you may have.
3) Dental implants
Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for individuals dealing with severe dental issues. If you have missing teeth or teeth that are severely damaged, dental implants can provide a permanent and natural-looking solution.
During the dental implant procedure, an oral surgeon will carefully place a titanium implant into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for a replacement tooth. This implant mimics the root of a natural tooth, providing stability and support. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant, creating a seamless and functional replacement tooth.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits for individuals with severe dental issues. They not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also restore the functionality of your mouth. With dental implants, you can confidently eat, speak, and smile without any discomfort or embarrassment.
Get in touch with the experienced oral surgeons at Chesapeake Dental Specialists to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. They will evaluate your dental health and provide personalized treatment options. Don’t let severe dental issues hold you back any longer – explore the possibilities of dental implants and regain your confident smile.
4) Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized oral surgery procedure that is performed to correct significant issues with the jawbone or the alignment of the teeth. While braces and other orthodontic treatments can address mild to moderate jaw misalignments, severe cases often require jaw surgery for a long-lasting solution.
Jaw surgery is typically recommended for individuals with problems such as severe overbites or underbites, open bites, or jaw discrepancies that cause difficulty with biting, chewing, and speaking. It can also address issues related to facial asymmetry and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
During the surgery, the oral surgeon carefully repositions the jawbone, sometimes using plates, screws, or wires to hold it in place while it heals. The procedure may involve reshaping the jawbone, removing excess bone or tissue, or even adding bone grafts to create a more balanced facial structure.
Recovering from jaw surgery can take several weeks to months, and it’s important to follow the oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently. This may include following a specific diet, taking prescribed pain medication, attending physical therapy sessions, and practicing good oral hygiene.
Jaw surgery can have a transformative impact on both oral function and facial aesthetics. It can improve bite alignment, alleviate breathing problems, and enhance overall facial harmony. If you are experiencing severe jaw issues that affect your quality of life, consult with an experienced oral surgeon who specializes in jaw surgery to explore your options. Jaw surgery may be the solution you need to regain a healthy and functional jaw structure.
5) TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the joints and muscles in the jaw. It can cause pain, discomfort, difficulty in chewing and speaking, and even headaches. While many cases of TMJ disorder can be managed with conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, some individuals may require surgery to find long-lasting relief.
TMJ disorder surgery, performed by an experienced oral surgeon, aims to address the underlying causes of the condition and restore proper function to the jaw joint. The specific procedure will depend on the individual’s case and may include options such as arthroscopy, joint replacement, or joint restructuring. The surgeon will carefully assess the situation, taking into account the severity of the condition, the patient’s symptoms, and the response to conservative treatments.
Recovering from TMJ disorder surgery can take time, and the patient will need to follow the oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently. This may include a soft or liquid diet, avoiding certain activities that can stress the jaw joint, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.
If you are experiencing persistent TMJ disorder symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, it’s important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon who specializes in TMJ disorder surgery. They can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option to alleviate your symptoms and restore comfort to your jaw.
If you have any oral issues that you think may require attention from an oral surgeon, schedule an appointment with Chesapeake Dental Specialists today.