Oral Surgery
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery is a specialised area of dentistry and medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions in the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw through surgical procedures. It covers a broad range of treatments that address issues related to oral health and function. Common procedures in oral surgery include tooth extractions, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, and dental implants.
Tooth extractions may be necessary for various reasons, such as severe tooth decay, damage that cannot be repaired, or overcrowding. Wisdom teeth often require removal when they are impacted or misaligned, causing pain or potential complications. Dental implants are another key procedure, where artificial tooth roots made of titanium are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. These implants offer a durable and aesthetic solution for missing teeth and help maintain jawbone structure.
Oral surgery also involves the treatment of oral infections, such as abscesses, and the removal of benign cysts or tumours from the oral cavity. Additionally, it includes surgical interventions for correcting facial injuries or congenital defects. These procedures aim to restore both the function and appearance of the mouth and surrounding areas, contributing significantly to overall oral health and patient well-being.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at treating various conditions in the mouth and jaw to improve both health and functionality. Common oral surgery procedures are listed below:
Impacted tooth removal often involves teeth that are trapped in the jawbone or gum and cannot emerge properly, such as canines. This can prevent future issues like infections or misalignment of other teeth.
Orthodontic exposures are procedures where impacted teeth are surgically uncovered to aid in orthodontic treatment. This is commonly performed to expose teeth that are obstructed or failing to emerge on their own, allowing for their alignment with braces.
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most frequent oral surgeries. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often become impacted or misaligned, causing pain, swelling, or infections. Their removal helps prevent these complications.
The surgical management of cysts and tumours from the jaws is another critical aspect of oral surgery. These growths can be benign or malignant and may cause discomfort, swelling, or disruption in oral function. Surgical removal ensures they do not compromise jaw health or lead to further complications.
Bone grafting procedures are performed to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone, often in preparation for dental implants. Grafting involves adding bone material to areas of the jaw that have deteriorated due to tooth loss, trauma, or disease, providing a stable foundation for implants or other dental work.
