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Dental surgery refers to a range of procedures involving the teeth, gums, and jawbone. These procedures are performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and address a variety of dental issues, including decay, infection, injury, and malformation. The goal of dental surgery is to restore oral
health and function and to improve the overall appearance of the mouth and teeth.
Procedure Type
There are many different types of dental surgery, each designed to address a specific dental issue. These procedures can include tooth extractions, root canals, dental implants, periodontal surgery, orthodontic surgery, and oral cancer surgery, among others. The procedure used will depend on the patient's needs and the specific issue being addressed.
Alternate names:
Oral surgery, Maxillofacial surgery.
Speciality
Dentistry, Oral surgery
Associated anatomy
The teeth, gums, jawbone, and other structures within the mouth. The specifics of the anatomy involved will depend on the specific procedure being performed.
Why is Dental (Oral) Surgery Done?
Dental surgery is typically done to treat oral and maxillofacial disorders that cannot be resolved through non-surgical treatments. These disorders include:
- Tooth decay: When tooth decay progresses to an advanced stage, it can lead to infections or abscesses that require surgical intervention.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease could signify that the cause of the gums recede, leading to tooth loss. Surgery may be needed to remove diseased tissue and regenerate healthy gum tissue.
- Impacted teeth: Teeth that fail to emerge properly may become impacted, leading to pain and swelling. Surgery may be needed to remove the impacted tooth.
- Oral cancer: Surgery may be needed to remove cancerous tumours from the mouth.
- Jaw misalignment: Jaw surgery can be used to correct abnormalities in the jaw structure, which can cause difficulty eating, speaking, and breathing.
Types of Dental (Oral) Surgery
There are many different types of dental surgery, including:
- Tooth extraction: The removal of a tooth that is severely decayed, infected, or impacted.
- Dental implant: The placement of an artificial tooth root used to support a replacement tooth.
- Gum graft: The transplantation of healthy gum tissue to cover exposed roots.
- Root canal: The removal of infected or damaged pulp from a tooth's root canal.
- Jaw surgery: The correction of jaw misalignments, often performed with orthodontic treatment.
Dental (Oral) Surgery Benefits
Dental surgery can offer numerous benefits to patients, including:
- Pain relief: Dental surgery can alleviate pain associated with oral and maxillofacial disorders.
- Improved oral health: Surgery can address underlying issues that could lead to more severe problems in the future.
- Better oral function: Correcting abnormalities in the jaw or teeth can improve a patient's ability to eat, speak, and breathe.
- Improved appearance: Dental surgery can improve the appearance of a patient's teeth and gums, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Preparation for Dental (Oral) Surgery
- The dentist or oral surgeon conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the patient's oral health and identifies underlying dental issues that may impact the surgical outcome.
- The patient will be advised on any pre-operative instructions, such as fasting or stopping certain medications.
- The dentist or oral surgeon will provide information about the specific risks and benefits of the chosen procedure, as well as what to expect during the surgery and recovery period.
- Patients are advised to quit smoking before and after the procedure as smoking interferes with and slow down the healing process.
How is Dental (Oral) Surgery Performed?
- The specifics of the procedure depend on the chosen technique and the individual patient's needs.
- In general, dental surgery involves making incisions in the gums or other tissues within the mouth to access the affected area.
- The dentist or oral surgeon may then remove tissue, repair damage, or implant artificial structures to address the issue.
- The surgical site is closed with sutures or other techniques, and the patient is closely monitored during the recovery period.
Dental Surgery Risks
Some risks associated with dental surgery include:
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Damage to the surrounding teeth or gums
- The results may not meet the expectations of the patient.
- Repeat or revision surgery.
- Dry socket- A painful dental condition that occurs when the blood clot is lost or dislodged from the socket after a tooth extraction.
- Osteomyelitis- A bacterial infection of the bone which can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and bone destruction. It occurs when bother microorganisms and bacteria enter the body through an open wound, surgical procedure, or bloodstream and travel to the bone.
Recover After Dental Surgery
- The duration of recovery depends on the chosen procedure and the individual patient's needs.
- Patients may experience some level of post-operative discomfort or swelling; it can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
- The dentist or oral surgeon will give post-op instructions like caring for the surgical site, avoiding foods during the initial healing period, and avoiding certain activities.
- Depending on the procedure, patients may be able to resume normal activities within a few days, while others may require more extensive recovery periods.
- The dentist or oral surgeon will provide guidance on the expected recovery time and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress and ensure that the
results of the procedure are meeting their expectations.
FAQs
How much does teeth surgery cost?
The cost of dental surgery varies depending on the specific procedure being performed, the extent of the condition and the location of the clinic.
How long is recovery from dental surgery?
The recovery period for dental surgery depends on the specific procedure being performed, as well as the individual patient's health and healing ability. In general, the recovery time can range from a few days to several weeks. Following the dentist's or oral surgeon's instructions for post-operative care is crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery.
Does tooth extraction affect the brain?
Tooth extraction typically does not affect the brain. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or headache following a tooth extraction due to the anaesthesia or the stress of the procedure. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
Is dental filling a surgery?
A dental filling is typically considered a minor dental procedure and is not generally considered "surgery." The procedure involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material and filling the cavity with filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam. However, in some cases, extensive decay or damage may require more extensive treatment, such as a root canal or dental crown, which may be considered a surgical procedure.
Review
Reviewed By Dr Sumit Dutta- Principal Consultant - Dental Care, Oral Implantologist , Certified Invisalign Provider on 16 Aug 2024.