Oral surgery refers to operations performed in the mouth. There are a wide variety of surgical procedures that may be necessary to preserve or restore your oral health. Some may be performed by a general dentist and others may require the expertise of a specialist. If you’re wondering what would be considered oral surgery, here’s a general overview.
Definition of Oral Surgery
To define oral surgery, it is first necessary to define surgery. Generally speaking, surgery is considered to be any procedure that involves the cutting of bodily tissues for a medical purpose. Oral surgery involves the cutting of oral tissues, such as the gums, teeth, jaw, or any part of the oral cavity.
Examples of Oral Surgery Procedures
- Wisdom teeth removal. The extraction of wisdom teeth often requires oral surgery, especially when the teeth are impacted (stuck under the gums).
- Dental implant placement. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, requiring oral surgery.
- Gum grafting. Gum grafting involves transplanting soft tissue from somewhere else in the mouth and applying it to the teeth where the gums have receded.
- Gum contouring/Crown lengthening. Gum contouring, sometimes called crown lengthening, can be done for cosmetic reasons or to prepare a tooth for a dental crown.
- Bone grafting. In a bone grafting procedure, a piece of bone is placed under the gums where the jaw bone has weakened or resorbed, which is a surgical procedure.
- Frenectomy. Loosening tethered oral tissues is a surgical procedure to correct tongue or lip tie.
- Endodontic surgery. Some endodontic procedures are surgical, such as an apicoectomy that is performed on the root of the tooth.
- Maxillofacial surgery. More commonly known as jaw surgery, the restructuring of the jaw and facial bones is a surgical procedure.
Benefits of Technology in Oral Surgery
Modern technology has changed oral surgery in a variety of ways. Between diagnostic tools and the use of dental lasers for procedures, the use of technology for oral surgery has many benefits:
- Improved accuracy. The accuracy of both diagnostics and oral surgery procedures has improved with the use of digital imaging and dental lasers.
- Minimized bleeding. The use of dental lasers for oral surgery reduces bleeding by vaporizing and naturally cauterizing tissue.
- Reduced irritation. Oral surgeries performed with dental lasers are more gentle, resulting in reduced irritation and inflammation following surgery.
- Faster recovery. The use of technology accelerates healing and shortens recovery times.
When Should I See an Oral Surgeon?
Your dentist may be able to perform some oral surgery procedures, such as dental implant placement and wisdom teeth extraction. But some more complex procedures, such as maxillofacial (jaw) surgery, should be performed by an oral surgeon. Your dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon if it would be in the best interest of your ora health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
Will I be put to sleep for oral surgery?
The type of anesthesia and the level of sedation that is appropriate for you will depend on the type of procedure and your personal preference.
Do I need to go to the hospital for oral surgery?
Only particularly invasive surgeries would need to be done in a hospital. Typically it is only general anesthesia that requires a hospital setting.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need a dental procedure that may be considered oral surgery, Glassman Dental Care can make a recommendation for treatment. Call 212-787-4860 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.