More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. Sometimes, however, taking care of your teeth is a bit more involved than just visiting your dentist a couple of times a year.
Our dental care can affect our overall health, so it’s important to address any issues that arise. Some oral health concerns can cause real problems and might require surgery.
For individuals seeking particular oral surgical procedures, consider using a dental practice like Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville, as they will specialize in a wide range of oral surgeries and offer advanced solutions for various dental health issues. Understanding these oral surgeries can help you make informed decisions about your dental health. If you want to learn more about these common types of oral surgeries, keep reading.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of your molars to grow in, and they often grow in underneath existing teeth. If your wisdom teeth are set to disrupt the placement of your other teeth, or if you don’t have enough space for them, then they have to be removed.
Oral surgeons can often figure out before your wisdom teeth come in whether they’ll cause problems. You can undergo this type of surgery before your wisdom teeth come all the way in.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a surgical option if you’ve lost a tooth and you’d like to replace it. This type of oral surgery involves installing a titanium screw that’s anchored to the jawbone. Once the screw and the bone have had a chance to fuse together, your surgeon or dentist will add a crown.
When it comes to dental implants vs dentures, both options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the more permanent solution. The resulting teeth feel and function like natural ones.
Extractions
Tooth extractions are a type of oral surgery that can be necessary if there’s been some damage to one of your teeth. This can include cracks, decay, or infection. If this is the case, an oral surgeon might recommend pulling the tooth out.
Usually, this is a straightforward surgery. It can become more complicated, however, if the tooth is exceedingly fragile or must be removed in pieces rather than whole.
Root Canals
Root canals are necessary for teeth that become damaged from decay all the way down to the core. If the root of the tooth or the nearby bone is also affected, this is when it becomes a surgical procedure.
During a root canal, the infected interior of the tooth and the nerve are removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, filled, and sealed. The procedure is finished with the placement of a crown.
Biopsies
If your dentist notices any suspicious lesions in your mouth, they might order a surgical biopsy. In this surgery, a small piece of tissue is removed from the gums, lips, or inside of the cheeks. The sample can then be tested for oral cancer.
In cases in which tests confirm oral cancer, you may need further surgeries to remove all cancerous cells.
Own Your Dental Health With These Types of Oral Surgeries
Now that you know the most common types of oral surgeries, you can have a better understanding of the dental care you might need under different circumstances. If you have any concerns, make sure to talk to your dentist. They will also be able to refer to you an oral surgeon.
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