Oral surgery is a field within dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and defects of the mouth and jaw. It primarily treats the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and tongue. Additionally, oral surgeons may also treat temporomandibular joints or perform a maxillofacial procedure to correct structures such as the cheekbones or forehead.
At Sun-Park Dental, the surgical procedures we perform include removing impacted teeth and roots, bone grafting, repairing cleft palates, and dental implant placement. Treatment for oral cancer is also often performed by an oral surgeon. Oral surgery can be a simple procedure such as tooth extraction or involve complex procedures like jaw realignment or implantation of dental implants.
Types of Oral Surgery
Tooth Extractions
Oral surgeons commonly perform tooth extractions, including removing impacted wisdom teeth or severely damaged or infected teeth. They have the expertise to handle complex extractions, such as those involving impacted or malformed teeth.
Dental Implant Placement
Oral surgeons are involved in the surgical placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth. They evaluate patients for implant suitability, perform implant surgery, and ensure proper healing and integration of the implants with the surrounding bone.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Oral surgeons may perform orthognathic surgery to correct jaw abnormalities, such as misalignment, malocclusion, or skeletal deformities. This surgery aims to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the jaw and facial structures.
Bone Grafting
Oral surgeons can perform bone grafting in preparation for dental implant placement or to repair bone defects. This involves taking bone from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to augment and regenerate bone in the jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Oral surgeons can diagnose and treat conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. They may offer non-surgical treatments or surgical interventions to address TMJ disorders that cause pain, jaw dysfunction, or other symptoms.
The Advantages of Oral Surgery
Improved Oral Health
Oral surgery can help improve oral health by addressing various conditions affecting teeth, gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. For example, tooth extractions can remove severely decayed or infected teeth that cannot be saved, reducing the risk of further infection and promoting oral health.
Alleviation of Pain and Discomfort
Oral surgery can effectively relieve pain and discomfort associated with various conditions. For example, tooth extractions can alleviate pain caused by severely decayed or infected teeth. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery can help alleviate chronic jaw pain and discomfort related to TMJ disorders.
Improved Aesthetics
Some oral surgery procedures have cosmetic benefits. Orthognathic surgery can improve the appearance of the face and jawline by correcting significant jaw misalignment or asymmetry. Additionally, bone grafting or sinus lifts can enhance the foundation for dental implants, allowing for more natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
Oral surgery is crucial in addressing a wide range of dental and facial conditions requiring surgical intervention. If you need any surgical oral or facial health procedures, visit a dentist in Rocklin, CA at Sun-Park Dental at 5400 Park Dr Suite 100, Rocklin, CA 95765, or call (916) 435-1155.