Oral surgery refers to the specialized dentistry field involving surgical procedures performed in the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are dental specialists who have undergone extensive training and education to perform these surgical procedures. At First Smile Family Dental, oral surgery is often necessary to address various dental conditions that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical approaches. Conditions such as impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, oral infections, or traumatic injuries may require surgical intervention to restore oral health and alleviate pain or discomfort.
Types of Oral Surgery
Tooth Extraction
This is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary for various reasons, such as severely decayed or damaged teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding, or preparation for orthodontic treatment.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant surgery involves the placement of artificial tooth roots (implants) into the jawbone to support dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. This surgical procedure requires the implant to be surgically embedded into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time.
Jaw Surgery
Oral surgeons may perform orthognathic surgery to correct jaw misalignments, malocclusions (bite problems), or skeletal abnormalities. This surgery can improve facial aesthetics, restore proper function, and resolve difficulty chewing speech problems, or sleep apnea.
Bone Grafting
Oral surgeons may perform bone grafting to prepare for dental implant placement or restore the lost bone structure. This involves transplanting bone from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to augment or regenerate bone in the jaw.
Facial Trauma Surgery
Oral surgeons are trained to handle facial trauma and may perform surgical procedures to repair fractures of the jawbone, facial bones, or other facial structures. These surgeries help restore normal function and aesthetics to the affected area.
The Benefits of Oral Surgery
Tooth Preservation
Oral surgery procedures, such as root canal treatment or dental implants, can help preserve natural teeth that might otherwise require extraction. By saving natural teeth, oral surgery helps maintain proper oral function, aesthetics, and the alignment of surrounding teeth.
Improved Oral Function
Oral surgery can significantly improve oral function. Procedures like dental implants, orthognathic surgery, and TMJ surgery can restore proper chewing, speaking, and swallowing abilities, allowing patients to enjoy their food, speak clearly, and function comfortably.
Pain Relief
Oral surgery procedures can alleviate chronic or acute dental pain. Tooth extraction can eliminate toothaches caused by severely decayed or infected teeth. Surgical interventions for TMJ disorders or facial trauma can relieve pain and discomfort associated with jaw joint problems or injuries.
Oral surgery is critical in addressing complex dental and oral health conditions, restoring functionality, relieving pain, and enhancing patients' overall well-being. It allows for preserving and improving oral health, aesthetics, and quality of life. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit First Smile Family Dental at 32717 1st Ave S., Suite 9, Federal Way, WA 98003, or call (253) 785-7323.