Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating complex dental issues through surgical procedures. Performed by an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon, these interventions address conditions affecting the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of the mouth that cannot be resolved through routine dental care.
Understanding oral surgery can help patients make informed decisions about their dental health, especially when facing conditions that require specialized treatment. Whether it’s extracting impacted wisdom teeth or placing dental implants, knowing what to expect from oral surgery procedures can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall treatment outcomes.
Understanding Oral Surgery
Oral surgery encompasses surgical procedures performed on the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding facial structures to treat various dental and oral conditions. An oral surgeon is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of hospital-based training beyond dental school, focusing specifically on surgical procedures for the mouth, face, and jaw.
When to See an Oral Surgeon vs. a General Dentist
- Complex extractions: When you have impacted wisdom teeth, severely damaged teeth, or teeth requiring surgical removal, an oral surgeon offers specialized expertise that general dentists may not provide.
- Dental implant placement: While some general dentists place implants, oral surgeons have extensive training in implant surgery, particularly for complex cases involving bone grafting or sinus lifts.
- Jaw-related problems: If you experience TMJ disorders, facial pain, or misaligned jaws that affect your bite, an oral surgeon can offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
- Facial trauma: Injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth often require the expertise of an oral surgeon who can repair fractured jaw bones and damaged facial structures.
- Oral pathology: When abnormal tissues like cysts or tumors are detected in your mouth, an oral surgeon can perform biopsies and provide appropriate treatment.
- Sleep apnea: If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, an oral surgeon might recommend surgical interventions to address the issue.
5 Types of Procedures Performed by an Oral Surgeon
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures performed by oral surgeons. These third molars often become impacted when there isn’t enough space in the jaw, causing pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. An oral surgeon removes these teeth using specialized techniques that may include creating incisions in the gum tissue and removing bone to access fully impacted teeth. This procedure treats or prevents problems like pericoronitis (inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth), decay in difficult-to-clean areas, and cysts that can form around impacted teeth.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant surgery involves placing titanium posts into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These posts fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. An oral surgeon evaluates bone density, performs any necessary grafting procedures, and precisely positions the implants to ensure optimal function and aesthetics. This procedure treats tooth loss caused by decay, gum disease, injury, or congenital conditions, providing a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects irregularities in jaw positioning and alignment. The oral surgeon repositions the jaw to improve functionality and facial appearance, often working in conjunction with orthodontists who align the teeth. Precise cuts are made in the jawbone, which is then repositioned and secured with plates and screws. This surgery treats conditions like severe malocclusion (improper bite), facial asymmetry, TMJ disorders, and certain sleep apnea cases where jaw position contributes to airway obstruction.
Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Repair
Trauma repair involves reconstructing damaged facial bones and soft tissues following accidents or injuries. Oral surgeons use specialized techniques to reposition fractured bones, repair damaged nerves, and restore facial aesthetics. This may include rigid fixation with plates and screws, wire suspension, or bone grafting to rebuild lost structure. These procedures treat facial fractures, lacerations, damaged teeth, and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth and face, helping restore both function and appearance.
Soft Tissue Procedures
Soft tissue procedures address issues affecting the gums, cheeks, tongue, and floor of the mouth. These include frenectomies (releasing restrictive tissue attachments), biopsies of suspicious lesions, and excision of benign growths. Oral surgeons use precise techniques to minimize damage to surrounding tissues while effectively treating the condition. These procedures address problems like tongue-tie, hyperplastic tissue, mucoceles, and potentially cancerous lesions, helping maintain overall oral health and function.
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery
- Schedule a consultation appointment. Meet with your oral surgeon to discuss your condition, review your medical history, and understand the recommended procedure. Ask questions about alternatives, risks, and expected outcomes to ensure you’re fully informed.
- Complete all pre-surgical testing. Follow your surgeon’s orders for any blood work, imaging (such as X-rays or CT scans), or other diagnostic tests that will help them plan your procedure and identify potential complications.
- Adjust medications as directed. Inform your surgeon about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may need to temporarily stop certain medications like blood thinners before surgery.
- Arrange transportation and aftercare. Plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and possibly stay with you for the first 24 hours, especially if you’ll be receiving sedation or general anesthesia.
- Follow fasting instructions. If your procedure requires sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll typically need to avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours beforehand to prevent complications.
- Prepare your recovery space. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with pillows to elevate your head, ice packs, prescribed medications, soft foods, and entertainment to keep you occupied during recovery.
- Wear appropriate clothing. On the day of surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves if you’ll be receiving IV sedation, and avoid jewelry, contact lenses, and dentures.
- Follow specific pre-operative instructions. Complete any prescribed oral rinses, take antibiotics if directed, and brush your teeth before arriving for your appointment unless otherwise instructed.
4 Alternative Treatments You Should Consider Before Oral Surgery
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Non-surgical periodontal therapy includes deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing that remove bacteria, calculus, and toxins from below the gumline. This treatment can effectively manage many cases of gum disease without the need for surgical intervention. Dentists or dental hygienists use specialized instruments to clean tooth surfaces and root structures, sometimes combining this with localized antibiotic delivery or antimicrobial rinses. This approach is particularly appropriate for early to moderate periodontal disease, helping to preserve natural teeth and avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment uses braces, clear aligners, or other appliances to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. In many cases, this can correct bite issues and jaw misalignments that might otherwise require surgical intervention. Modern orthodontic approaches can address complex problems through controlled force application over time, often eliminating the need for corrective jaw surgery. This conservative option is especially beneficial for growing children and adolescents with developing jaw structures, though adults can also benefit from orthodontic solutions for many alignment issues.
Endodontic Therapy
Endodontic therapy, commonly known as root canal treatment, can save severely infected or damaged teeth that might otherwise require extraction and subsequent implant placement. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected and then filled and sealed with a biocompatible material. A crown is typically placed afterward to restore full function. This treatment preserves the natural tooth structure while eliminating infection and pain, making it an excellent alternative to extraction when the tooth root and surrounding bone remain structurally sound.
Occlusal Appliances
Occlusal appliances like night guards, splints, or bite plates can effectively manage many TMJ disorders and related symptoms without surgery. These custom-fitted devices help reposition the jaw, protect teeth from grinding damage, and relax overactive muscles. By creating proper alignment and reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint, these appliances can provide significant relief from pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. This conservative approach should typically be tried before considering surgical interventions for TMJ disorders, as many patients experience substantial improvement with consistent appliance use.
Conclusion
Oral surgery plays a crucial role in maintaining overall oral health by addressing complex dental conditions that cannot be treated through standard dental procedures. From extracting problematic wisdom teeth to reconstructive procedures, oral surgeons provide specialized care that helps patients regain proper oral function and improve their quality of life.
If you’re experiencing dental issues that may require surgical intervention, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Carmel Valley Dental. Our experienced team will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. For more information about our services, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and read our patient reviews on Yelp to learn about others’ experiences with our exceptional care.