Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure that is performed inside the mouth. There are a variety of oral surgeries provided by dentists, dental specialists, and oral surgeons. It is fairly common and highly likely that you will need oral surgery at some point in your lifetime.
When is oral surgery necessary? There are a few different scenarios that would result in the need for a surgical procedure. Learn more about the reasons for oral surgery and whether or not you may need it.
What is Oral Surgery?
A dental procedure is considered to be oral surgery if it requires cutting of the soft tissue and/or bone tissue inside the mouth. This may be done with traditional dental tools or sometimes advanced technology such as a dental laser. Self-dissolving stitches are often used to close the soft tissues after the procedure.
Reasons for Oral Surgery
- Wisdom teeth removal. Most people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their life. There is often a lack of space in the jaw for these large molars, causing them to come in crooked, partially, or not at all. Wisdom teeth removal typically requires oral surgery, especially if the teeth are impacted (stuck below the gums).
- Jaw surgery. Bite misalignment can result in the need for jaw surgery. When your upper and lower teeth don’t meet together properly, it can sometimes be corrected with typical orthodontic treatment, such as braces. But severe cases may require surgery to restructure the jaws.
- Dental implant placement. Dental implants completely replace missing or severely damaged teeth. They require surgical placement in the jaw where they fuse with the bone to form a solid bond that is similar to your natural tooth roots.
- Tooth extraction. Other teeth besides your wisdom teeth sometimes need to be extracted. When a tooth is impacted, surgery is required to access the tooth and remove it from the socket.
Benefits of Oral Surgery
- Correct teeth and bite misalignment. Oral surgery can correct bite misalignment and alleviate crowding of the teeth.
- Improve your oral health. Reduce your risk of tooth decay and damage by getting recommended oral surgery at the right time.
- Boost your confidence. Improving your appearance with oral surgery can boost your confidence and help you feel better about yourself.
- Restore chewing capabilities. Missing teeth and bite misalignment can make it difficult to chew properly, limiting the foods you can eat. Oral surgery can restore your chewing capabilities so you can enjoy a more well-balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
Do you always get put to sleep for oral surgery?
There are a variety of anesthesia and sedation options for oral surgery. Depending on the invasiveness of your procedure and your personal preferences, you and your dentist can discuss the options and find the best form of anesthesia for your needs.
How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?
You can expect to need a day or two to rest and recover after oral surgery. Recovery time generally depends on the invasiveness of your procedure and the type of anesthesia you receive. You can expect your mouth to heal within about 2 weeks of your surgery.
Contact Glassman Dental Care
Are you in need of oral surgery? Glassman Dental Care can provide a consultation and evaluation to determine if surgery is necessary and what treatment will best meet your individual needs. Call 212-787-4860 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.