What Type of Services do Oral Surgeons Provide?

Oral surgery is a highly specialized field that requires significant expertise and training. To become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, one must first complete dental school before embarking on an additional 4 to 6 years of hospital-based residency training. This extensive training provides oral surgeons with the necessary skills to treat a wide range of issues related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws. They are also adept at performing complex procedures, such as dental implant placement and facial reconstructive surgery.

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During their residency, oral surgeons receive comprehensive training in the intricate details of surgeries that involve the maxilla, mandible, and nasal cavity. In addition, they gain knowledge and expertise in a variety of related fields, including internal medicine, anesthesiology, and otolaryngology. They are also well-versed in the performance of oral plastic surgery and therapy. With their specialized training and experience, oral surgeons are capable of diagnosing and treating a vast array of jaw and facial issues.

This blog will talk about some of the most common oral surgical procedures provided by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Dental Implants

Oral surgery incorporates dental implants as one of its procedures. The purpose of dental implants is to replace missing teeth, and this involves the insertion of screw-shaped surgical fixtures into the jawbone. An incision on the gums is made to access the jawbone and place the implant into the intended area. Dental implants are used to replace either one tooth or the entire set of teeth.

Patients who seek dental implants undergo an oral surgery consultation, which involves a comprehensive oral examination. During this consultation, the oral surgeon assesses the quality of the bone and the number of missing teeth to develop a custom treatment plan that suits the patient's individual needs.

The oral surgical procedure for dental implant placement begins with the administration of local anesthesia. Following this, the oral surgeon makes a small incision on the gum area and reflects the gums to expose the underlying bone. A series of specialized dental implant drills are used to create a hole for the implant's placement. After the implant is put into place, the gums are separated back to their original position, and the surgical site is sutured and allowed to heal.

Dental implants need 3-6 months to integrate with the jawbone. During this healing phase, patients are scheduled for regular appointments to ensure the success of their dental implant treatment. Once the implants are firmly attached to the jawbone, they provide a foundation for dental crowns, bridges, and even dentures.

This rehabilitative oral surgical procedure has several benefits, including restoring optimal chewing capabilities, speech, and revitalizing your smile.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting is a type of minor oral surgery procedure that is performed when there is insufficient jawbone present. It is commonly carried out before a dental implant placement to ensure there is enough bone height and width to support the implant. Additionally, bone grafting can help reconstruct the jawbone after it has been damaged by gum disease.

To regenerate lost bone, oral surgeons may use different types of grafting materials such as autografts (from your own bone), allografts (from another human being), allopasts (synthetic bone grafts), or xenografts (animal bone grafts). The choice of grafting material depends on the specific needs of the patient and the preferences of the oral surgeon.

Sinus Lift

Sinus lift or sinus augmentation is an oral surgery procedure that creates more space for the formation of new bone. This procedure is typically performed to make enough room for dental implant placement, as without it, the dental implant may not integrate properly. Sinus lift is usually performed when there is insufficient jawbone in the maxillary region to support a dental implant.

To perform a sinus lift, the oral surgeon first administers appropriate anesthesia. Then, they make two incisions on the back portion of the upper gums to expose the bone and sinus floor to reach the sinus membrane. Next, the membrane is gently lifted, and a bone graft is applied to promote new bone growth. Finally, the surgical site is closed using sutures.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure performed worldwide. It is often necessary to remove teeth that are affected by dental decay, gum disease, or for orthodontic reasons. Tooth extraction is typically done using forceps and dental elevators under local anesthesia.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can cause pain and complications when they erupt erratically, become impacted, or infected. Removing them requires a higher level of expertise, which can be provided by an oral surgeon. The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia, but in complex cases, general anesthesia may be advised.

The surgeon begins by making an incision around the tooth, reflecting the gums, and exposing the jawbone. If the tooth is impacted, the surgeon may need to remove some bone using specialized instruments and drills. In simpler cases, the tooth may be removed entirely or in sections. Once the tooth is removed, the surgeon checks the area to ensure complete removal and sutures the gums closed.

If you require a dental implant, tooth removal, or jawbone fracture repair, consult with our board-certified oral surgeon today. If you have any questions or want to know more about our services, contact us, and our team of dental professionals will be happy to help.

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