Types of oral surgeries
Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of operations, including but not limited to tooth extraction. Repositioning of the jaw, removal of a tumor/cancerous lesion, or in some cases traumas to the facial structures is also included in the category of oral surgery. Besides, wisdom teeth removal, grafting of the gums, sinus lift, biopsies, dental implants, and reconstructive surgeries are all examples of oral surgeries. Oral maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists, Implantologists are among the dental professionals who can undertake oral surgeries.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes when a tooth suffers significant damage, or risks damaging other teeth or your gums, it may need to be extracted, if other treatments are not possible.
We only attempt to extract a tooth as a last resort, this depends on the situation and also the extent of the damage. Sometimes there may be no other option but for a tooth or multiple teeth to be extracted.
When removing a tooth, our normal procedure is to use a local anesthetic – this will numb the area of your mouth the extraction needs to be done, so that you will not feel any pain during treatment but will be awake. The duration of appointment will depend on the complexity of the extraction and will be advised prior to the start of the procedure mostly.
It is possible for more than one tooth to be removed in each appointment and the dentist will advise you on the best strategy.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Wisdom teeth, are the back four teeth in each corner of your mouth, and are usually the last of your teeth to grow. Wisdom teeth sometimes emerge through the gums at an angle due to the lack of space available in a person’s jaw bone. This may cause pain, swelling and/or infection and will need to be removed. The surgical procedure can vary from person to person depending on the wisdom tooth position, depth of impaction, etc.
Biopsies
If you have a lesion in your mouth that looks suspect, we will perform a biopsy to check for oral cancer. We will remove a small piece of tissue and then send it to the lab for analysis.
Jaw Surgery
If your jaws aren’t properly aligned, this can cause problems not only with appearance but also with function. Surgery is often necessary to correct this problem and restore function. Our Maxillo Facial surgeon will attend to you and do the needful.
Sleep Apnea
If other conservative treatments don’t help serious sleep apnea sufferers, then we can remove excess tissue from the back of the throat to significantly reduce symptoms.
Reconstructive surgery
Knocked-out teeth and facial injuries can make even the most everyday functions a challenge (e.g., eating). These procedures replace missing or damaged teeth, treat jawbone and gum damage, and correct jaw joint issues.
Before surgery, we will provide you with an outlined treatment plan. We will also discuss anesthesia options with you and you can feel free to ask any questions you may have about your surgery. Most surgeries are done under general anesthesia to ensure that the patient doesn’t experience any discomfort.
As with any surgery, there will be a recovery period. You will be advised to have a bystander and not drive yourself home afterwards. Or You will want someone to pick you up, as you will be groggy and tired. We may prescribe painkillers for treating recovery-related pain. We will provide you with some detailed do’s and don’ts for after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Anesthesia is mandatory in all types of oral surgeries (to numb the surgical area) however, the type of anesthesia depends on the type and severity of the surgery.
It all depends on which dental surgery your dentist or surgeon recommended to you. It could take anywhere from one to four hours or more.
