Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery: Precision Procedures for Enhanced Dental Health

Oral surgery encompasses a range of specialized procedures that address complex dental issues with precision and expertise. At Lakewood Smiles, our skilled Dr. Thornton is dedicated to restoring your dental health and enhancing your quality of life through these advanced procedures.

Understanding Oral Surgery

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating complex dental and facial issues. It involves surgical procedures performed in and around the oral cavity.

Why Is Oral Surgery Needed?

Oral surgery becomes necessary when dental issues are beyond the scope of conventional treatments. These procedures address conditions like impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw surgery, and more.

The Benefits of Oral Surgery

1. Pain Relief

Oral surgery can alleviate chronic pain caused by conditions like impacted wisdom teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and dental infections.

2. Restored Oral Function

Problems like misaligned jaws or severely damaged teeth can impair oral function. Oral surgery corrects these issues, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking.

3. Improved Aesthetics

Oral surgery can enhance facial aesthetics by addressing conditions like facial trauma, congenital deformities, or jaw misalignment.

4. Enhanced Quality of Life

By addressing complex dental problems, oral surgery can significantly improve your overall quality of life, restoring confidence and comfort.

Common Oral Surgery Procedures

1. Wisdom Teeth Removal

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and misalignment. **Wisdom tooth extraction** is a common oral surgery procedure to address these issues.

2. Dental Implant Placement (Refer to our Specialists)

Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth, providing a permanent and stable solution for tooth loss.

3. Jaw Surgery (Refer to our Specialists)

Orthognathic surgery corrects misaligned jaws, improving bite, function, and facial aesthetics.

4. Oral Pathology Treatment

Oral surgeons diagnose and treat oral and facial tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities.

5. Extractions

Tooth extractions may be necessary for various reasons, including severe decay or dental infections.

6. IV Sedation

For those with dental anxiety or complex procedures, IV sedation is available to ensure comfort during surgery.

The Oral Surgery Process

1. Consultation

Oral surgery begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

2. Preoperative Planning

Detailed planning ensures a successful surgery, taking into account your unique needs and concerns.

3. Surgery

The surgical procedure is performed with precision, often using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.

4. Postoperative Care

Post-surgery, follow-up appointments and aftercare instructions are provided to ensure a smooth recovery.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Surgery?

1. Wisdom Teeth Issues

Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth, causing pain or infection, can benefit from wisdom tooth extraction.

2. Tooth Replacement (Refer to our Specialists)

Those seeking a permanent tooth replacement solution can benefit from dental implant placement.

3. Jaw Misalignment (Refer to our Specialists)

Patients with misaligned jaws affecting their bite, function, or aesthetics can benefit from orthognathic surgery.

4. Oral Pathology

Individuals with oral or facial tumors, cysts, or abnormalities can benefit from oral pathology treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is oral surgery painful?

Oral surgery is performed under anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-surgery discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.

2. How long is the recovery period?

Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide specific guidelines to promote a smooth and comfortable recovery.

3. Are oral surgery procedures safe?

Oral surgery is generally safe when performed by skilled professionals with appropriate training and expertise.

Conclusion

Oral surgery is a specialized field that plays a vital role in addressing complex dental and facial issues, restoring dental health, and enhancing the quality of life for many individuals. Whether you require extractions, wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement, or treatment for oral pathology, our skilled Dr. Thornton at Lakewood Smiles is here to provide you with the highest level of care and expertise, including the option for IV sedation to ensure your comfort during surgery.

Sources:
1. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. (2021). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: The Experts in Face, Mouth, and Jaw Surgery. https://www.aaoms.org/