Dental surgeries you might need someday
Dentists regularly provide a wide range of services to the public, including many different types of oral surgery procedures. Specialists provide even more procedures, and those who have been dentists for some time have likely specialized in certain types of oral surgery. Here are some of the more common types of oral surgery that a dentist or dental specialist may provide.
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth can cause problems as young people grow older. As the tooth grows, it may result in pain or an infection, especially if there is not enough room. This often occurs between the ages of 17 to 25. Some people never have a problem with them, and some may only need one or two wisdom teeth extracted. Others may need all of them removed. It generally is not advised to remove them unless there is a problem.
Wisdom teeth removal is often performed by an oral surgeon. This is because the roots of the wisdom teeth are often close to the nerves that send signals to and from the lower lip, the tongue, chin, and that side of the lower jaw. When wisdom teeth need to be removed, the oral surgeon can remove one, two, or even all of them at the same time. It can also be done using a local or general anesthetic.
Impacted teeth removal
As a young person grows older, a tooth may not come all the way in. This is called an impacted tooth. It could be due to overcrowding, which will not allow the tooth room to fully appear. In the case of wisdom teeth, some may come in at an angle that will not allow them to appear. It is even possible that some bone may grow over them.
Impacted tooth removal is when a dentist removes the tooth. Methods will vary but they often include breaking the tooth into pieces before taking them out, especially in the case of an impacted wisdom tooth.
Dental implants
A missing tooth or teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They screw into the socket where the missing tooth was, and then it is capped by a tooth-colored crown. Implants can be used to replace one, several, or even all of your teeth. They have become very popular because they act like your natural teeth and may last a lifetime.
Unequal growth of the jaw
Various factors can influence one side of a jaw to grow faster than the other, and the unequal growth of the jaw will likely result in lopsidedness. Since the jaw continues to grow, it is apt to become worse without treatment. It could also result in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A special surgery called orthognathic jaw surgery can improve this problem. Once completed, it often enables the individual to speak more clearly, eat better, and may even breathe better. The patient is also likely to have a greater self-confidence.
Cleft lip and palate repair
During pregnancy, the upper jaw, lip, and roof of the mouth usually fuse together. In some cases, the lip or palate may not completely fuse, causing a cleft. This most common birth defect is repairable and is usually corrected within the first three to six months of life. The cleft can cause other problems besides just feeding. It may also create problems with hearing, teeth, and speech. The corrective surgery usually will require general anesthesia, but additional surgeries may be required later.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when someone’s breathing stops when they are sleeping. It can stop a few times in an hour or a hundred times. This reduces the oxygen in the body and can cause serious – even fatal – health problems. Treatment requires a diagnosis first, and then a dentist can help you with dental solutions for it by making a customized dental appliance. Many people prefer them to a CPAP mask.
Facial injury and infections
When you have a facial injury or infection, a dentist can provide you with the care you need. In fact, it was oral and maxillofacial surgeons who developed many of the treatments now used in emergency rooms at hospitals. Their expertise may enable them to detect other problems with the jaw, teeth, and other parts of your face.
Fixing the fit of dentures
Dentists help you get dentures and they know how to make adjustments to help them fit better. The tissues in your mouth will change over time, and when they do, it may make your dentures uncomfortable. A dentist that provides dentures can also adjust or repair them when needed. In some cases, the repairs can be made on the same day.
Dentists can provide many more services than just fixing teeth. If you live in the Dallas fortworth, TX areas of Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas and Grapevine, you can discover many of the oral and facial services you need at the ToothHQ offices of Dr. Kumar T. Vadivel, DDS, FDS RCS, MS MBA, a Board-certified Periodontist. For more information about his dental services, or to set up a FREE appointment, you can call his office today at 214-731-0123
