Whilst many dental issues can be treated with routine dental appointments, more complex issues may require more extensive treatment. Oral surgery is a specialised field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that require surgical intervention, such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and correcting persistent dental problems that will significantly impact your oral health and overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or have concerns regarding your oral health, it’s important to consult a dentist about whether surgery is the best choice for you.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is a specialist branch of dentistry that handles treatments and surgical procedures that go beyond the scope of routine dental care that requires specialised procedures and surgical expertise. Dental surgery can be used to treat various conditions and encompasses a wide range of procedures, including tooth extractions, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and the removal of abnormalities from the mouth or jaw. These procedures are often necessary to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by structural issues or diseases, as well as restoring oral health and improving the overall function of the mouth and jaw, as well as enhancing the overall appearance of the face and smile.
Common Reasons for Oral Surgery
Dental surgery is more common than many people think, as it refers to any procedure that requires local anaesthetic, rather than just large scale, complex issues, including:
⦁ Tooth Extraction: One of the most common reasons why someone may need oral surgery is for a tooth extraction if a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or infected beyond repair.
⦁ Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often require surgery for extraction due to their potential issues such as impaction, overcrowding, or improper alignment, all of which can lead to pain, infection, and damage to neighbouring teeth.
⦁ Corrective Jaw Surgery: Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure is performed to correct jaw issues such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can affect the functionality of the jaw and lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and breathing.
⦁ Growth Removal: If an initial consultation confirms the presence of pathologic conditions such as cysts or tumours of the mouth or face, or other severe oral infections, then oral surgeons can perform procedures to remove these benign issues and provide ongoing treatment for diseases in the mouth.
⦁ Dental Implants: Oral surgery is necessary for dental implant placement, a popular solution for replacing missing teeth as it involves surgically anchoring an artificial tooth root into the jawbone.
If you have any of these common symptoms, or if you are concerned that you may require oral surgery, it is important to take action and contact your dentist for an appointment. Ignoring dental issues can lead to further complications and potentially worsen the condition, so by reaching out to your dentist you can receive a proper diagnosis and explore treatment options quickly, ensuring the best possible outcome for your oral health.
What to Expect During Oral Surgery
Once you and your dentist have discussed any dental issues that you have and have decided that dental surgery is the most suitable course of action, it’s time to start preparing yourself for what to expect during the procedure.
Before the surgery, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and medical history, as well as organising any X-rays or imaging tests that are needed to get a clear picture of the condition that needs to be treated. Once a clear treatment plan has been decided upon, the dentist will then explain the procedure to you ahead of time, including any risks of complications to be aware of, and to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
During the surgery, you will be given anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. The type of anaesthesia used will depend on the specific procedure and your individual needs, as local anaesthesia is best for minor procedures to numb the area being treated, or if you experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, but for more complex surgeries, general anaesthesia may be administered to keep you asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
After the surgery, you will be given instructions on how to care for the area that has been treated, and it is important that you follow these instructions closely to encourage healing, prevent complications, and manage any discomfort or swelling. When recovering from your procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication, as well as discuss a specific after-surgery diet for you to follow, such as a soft or liquid diet to avoid putting strain on the surgical site. As you heal, proper oral hygiene must be maintained to keep the recovering area clean and reduce the risk of infection, so be sure to discuss how to clean your mouth and any specific care recommendations with your dentist both before and after the surgery.
During the recovery period, your oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and to check that your mouth and jaw is healing properly, as well as to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment or recovery plan and to answer any ongoing questions you may have. Whilst bruising and some pain is to be expected after oral surgery, if you notice excessive bleeding, prolonged or worsening pain, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to notify your dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation. They will be able to assess your condition and provide appropriate guidance or treatment if necessary.
Oral Surgery from Marsh House Specialist Dentists
If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your oral health that may require surgical intervention, it’s time to consult a professional oral surgeon.
Whether you require a tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery, or treatment for oral cancer, a specialist oral surgery team will guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post-operative care in a safe and supportive environment. Contact Marsh House Specialist Dentists today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards improving your oral health and overall wellbeing.