Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, defects, trauma, and other disorders in the oral cavity. Oral surgeons are well-trained to understand the anatomy and physiology of the head, neck, face, jaws, and soft tissue structures like tendons and muscles. Oral surgeons can perform a wide range of procedures such as wisdom teeth removals, implant placement, jaw reconstruction surgery and others. The aim of oral surgery is to restore function as well as aesthetics for their patients.

Introduction To Oral Surgery: Procedures & Types

Oral surgeries involve various different types of procedures that may be performed by an Oral Surgeon. Oral Surgery can be divided into several categories based on the type of surgery and the purpose of the procedure. Oral surgeries are performed for a variety of reasons ranging from removing impacted teeth to correcting facial deformities. Oral surgery procedures may include wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, jaw reconstruction surgery or treatment for oral cancer.

Types Of Oral Surgery

The types of oral surgery vary widely depending on their purpose. Oral surgeons use many different methods to provide the best care possible to their patients. Some common types of oral surgery include:

1) Wisdom Tooth Extraction – This is one of the most commonly performed oral surgeries due to impaction or overcrowding in the mouth that can cause pain, infection and damage to surrounding teeth. During this procedure, an Oral Surgeon will remove any impacted or decayed wisdom teeth.

2) Dental Implant Placement – Oral surgeons are well-trained to place dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. This procedure involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone and allowing it to heal before attaching an artificial tooth.

3) Jaw Reconstruction Surgery – Oral Surgeons can reconstruct the jawbone to improve facial structure and function. This type of surgery may be used to correct congenital defects or trauma-related damage caused by sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or birth defects.

4) Oral Cancer Treatment – Oral surgeons are also well-versed in treating oral cancer by surgically removing tumors or abnormal masses from the mouth, tongue and throat area. Oral surgeons can also perform reconstructive surgeries to restore facial structure and function.

5) Orthognathic Surgery – This type of oral surgery is used to correct misalignment of the jaw and teeth. Oral surgeons use a variety of techniques to realign the jaw in order to improve overall facial structure and occlusion.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction:

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries performed by Oral Surgeons today. It involves carefully removing impacted or decayed teeth from the mouth in order to prevent pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. Oral surgeons use x-rays and other imaging techniques to determine the best approach for removing wisdom teeth.

Dental Implant Placement:

Dental implant placement is often used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Oral surgeons are well-trained to place titanium posts into the jawbone, which can then be attached to an artificial tooth or crown. Oral Surgeons will carefully evaluate the area before placing a dental implant in order to ensure successful integration with existing teeth.

Jaw Reconstruction Surgery:

Jaw reconstruction surgery is used to correct congenital defects or trauma-related damage caused by sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or birth defects. Oral surgeons use a variety of techniques to reconstruct the jaw, such as bone grafting, distraction osteogenesis or orthognathic surgery. Oral surgeons also often use plates, screws and other hardware to secure the jaw in place.

Oral Cancer Treatment:

Oral surgeons are well-versed in treating oral cancer by surgically removing tumours or abnormal masses from the mouth, tongue and throat area. Oral surgeons can also perform reconstructive surgeries to restore facial structure and function after the removal of a tumour. Oral surgeons may also recommend radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat oral cancer.

Orthognathic Surgery:

Orthognathic surgery is used to correct the misalignment of the jaw and teeth. Oral Surgeons will evaluate a patient’s face and jaw structure to determine the best approach for correcting misalignment. Oral surgeons can use a variety of techniques, including bone grafts and distraction osteogenesis, in order to realign the jaw and improve overall facial structure and occlusion.

Conclusion:

Oral surgery is an important part of dentistry that involves carefully removing decayed or impacted teeth, placing dental implants, reconstructing the jaw, treating oral cancer and correcting misalignment of the jaw and teeth. Oral surgeons are highly trained professionals who specialize in these procedures with years of experience. Oral surgery can improve overall oral health by preventing pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.