Some people may fear having oral surgery, but the fact is that millions of oral surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, including oral surgery in Houston. There are several reasons that dental patients may need oral surgery. Each patient and their needs are unique, which is why patients receive individualized oral surgery procedures and treatments.
There are many types of oral surgery, including four common types of oral surgery.
Four Common Types of Oral Surgeries
Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most common types of oral surgery is removing the wisdom teeth and then providing follow-up care after the surgery. Wisdom teeth often do not erupt properly, leading to the teeth becoming impacted, decayed, infected, crowded, or cause other effects on adjacent teeth. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth removes the complications and risks associated with leaving them in place.
Root Canals
Another type of oral surgery is root canal treatment. Patients with one or more teeth that have large fillings, severe pain, or large areas of decay may need a root canal. The pulp inside of a tooth can soften and become infected with bacterial growth.
Having a root canal involves accessing the inside of the tooth, using small files to clear the damaged pulp, and shaping the inner portion of the tooth and root. Using an antimicrobial solution kills any remaining bacteria and helps to reduce the risk of future infection.
Dental implants are a type of oral surgery that has become very popular for adults of all ages. Adults have the opportunity to improve their smiles and to reduce the risk of future serious oral health issues. In addition, replacing missing teeth helps to reduce the risk of stress or weakness adjacent to missing teeth and helps to improve the ability to chew properly and to speak properly.
The oral surgeon places a titanium metal cylinder into the jaw bone, whether for a single tooth or several teeth. This serves as a strong base for the insertion of a crown, which helps restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Sources indicate that implants are one of the most recognized advances in oral health for decades.
Some other cosmetic dental procedures provide solutions to improve oral health, restore teeth damaged because of trauma or other reasons, and help you regain a healthy smile. Examples of cosmetic surgery include dental veneers and dental bonding.
Other Types of Oral Surgery
Several other types of oral surgery help correct oral health issues and restore the function of the teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. Some of these types of oral surgeries include:
- Temporomandibular joint or TMJ correction and treatment
- Periodontal surgery for gum disease
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Corrective jaw surgery
TMJ is a condition that involves a dysfunction of the joints of the jaw. People with TMJ may experience face, jaw, or neck pain, difficulty chewing, clicking, or popping sounds within the jaw joint. Other symptoms potentially include swelling or locking of the jaw.
Gum Surgery
Gum disease is an issue that affects millions of adults. Surgery for periodontal disease helps to relieve the symptoms and helps to reduce future periodontal disease with proper oral health care. Flap surgery, soft tissue grafting, or bone grafting are examples of surgeries for periodontal disease.
Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery may be necessary due to issues when born, certain oral health conditions, or trauma or disease. In addition, reconstructive or cosmetic surgery can help restore optimal levels of function and appearance for patients.
Contact Us to Book Your Oral Surgery Appointment
Your oral surgery needs to start with an initial general dentistry appointment. Then, we will discuss your oral surgery options and develop an individual treatment plan for you.
Contact us at 713-244-7790 right now and get started on better oral health today.
