Many times, when a dentist mentions a dental surgery, patients experience panic and fear. The common belief is that dental surgery is painful and expensive.
However, what many patients do not realize is that dental surgery is very common and includes procedures that address conditions many people suffer from. Every patient is different, and every case is treated accordingly. Most dental surgery is considered an outpatient procedure, and patients can generally resume normal activities within a few days.
Before deciding whether you are a candidate for dental surgery, dentists refer their patients to an oral surgeon. The surgeon will assess your situation and oral health to determine the best course of action. In some cases, depending on the severity of your condition, oral surgeons may recommend non-surgical treatment. Both adults and children are at risk of oral health problems, although not all surgeries are due to oral health issues.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any operation performed in the mouth. Examples include tooth extraction, dental implants, and tissue grafting. These procedures are performed by dentists who are advanced-trained specialists in oral surgery. Healing time depends on the type of procedure required.
Common Types of Dental Surgery
Dental surgery encompasses a variety of procedures, each designed to address specific dental conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of dental surgery.
1. Root Canal
Root canals are widely considered the most common type of dental surgery. Millions of teeth are treated every year, saving many teeth from extraction and relieving pain and sensitivity. Root canals are usually painless and highly effective in pain management.
Beneath the enamel lies a soft core called the dental pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and tissue. When a tooth is decayed, bacteria enter the tooth and damage the pulp. Infected pulp causes tooth pain, occasional swelling, and potential jaw or neck pain. A surgeon treats this by removing the decayed part of the tooth and extracting the infected pulp.
2. Dental Implants
Dental implants have transformed dentistry over the past 25 years. An implant is a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. They are used to anchor crowns to the jawbone using titanium and titanium alloys. These metals are lightweight and biocompatible, meaning the body usually does not reject them.
Dental implants are used to replace teeth lost due to cavities, disease, oral cancer, or various causes such as smoking or alcohol use.
Implants are a long-term type of dental surgery, ensuring proper bone integration before a tooth can be attached. The procedure requires creating a channel in the jawbone so the implant can be placed in close contact with the bone. Generally, two to six months are required for bone healing before crowns or bridges can be placed.
3. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction involves removing one or all four adult teeth located at the back corners of the upper and lower jaw. These are the last (third) molars, usually emerging between ages 17 and 25. When there is insufficient space, they can break and cause pain, oral infections, or other dental problems. Dentists often recommend preventive removal even if impacted teeth are not causing problems.
Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that takes several days to fully recover. It involves removing the tooth through surgical incisions and stitching the extraction site to speed healing. Following post-operative instructions is crucial to avoid excessive bleeding or blood clots.
4. Reconstructive Surgery
Accidents happen, and when facial damage occurs due to sports injuries, falls, workplace accidents, or trauma, it can be frightening and stressful. Visiting an oral surgeon is the best course of action – they provide solutions to restore your appearance quickly. Facial reconstructive dental surgery is divided into two categories: soft tissue injuries and fractures.
Soft tissue injuries include trauma to skin or gums, such as cuts inside the cheek, lips, or tongue. They also include tears in the soft or hard palate.
Fractures involve small bone structures in the mouth and include jawbone and tooth reconstruction. Larger reconstructive procedures may extend to the sinuses and forehead if facial injuries are severe. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery uses dental implants in combination with other treatment methods to restore jaw alignment and bone structure.
5. Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic dental surgery comes in many forms. Often, it is not medically necessary but is used to enhance a patient’s facial appearance or smile. Cosmetic procedures include minor treatments such as teeth whitening and aligners like orthodontics.
Smile enhancement can combine two or more procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or composite restorations. Whitening treatments are not limited to bleaching. Methods like bonding and veneers correct discoloration or stained teeth. Some patients also undergo reshaping to improve the physical shape of their teeth, which involves enamel removal or tooth contouring.
Cosmetic procedures are generally painless and can be performed in the dentist’s office, eliminating the need for an oral surgeon. Each treatment is individualized.
Does Dental Surgery Hurt?
Pain is one of the most common concerns for patients before any dental procedure. With advances in medical technology, dental surgery has become much less painful thanks to local or general anesthesia and modern techniques that minimize post-operative discomfort. Pain levels vary depending on the procedure, but analgesics can significantly reduce any discomfort.
Recovery Time
Healing time varies, but most people feel normal again within two to three days. The more extensive your oral surgery, the longer recovery will take. Severe pain is not expected, though mild discomfort is normal.
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to aid healing and prevent infections.
Soft tissues usually heal within about a month, while bone healing can take up to six months.
Conclusion
Whether you are seeking minor cosmetic dental surgery or major procedures, your dentist should lead your medical journey. Many other health issues can be diagnosed and addressed if oral health is prioritized. If you experience mouth pain, tooth sensitivity, jaw or neck pain, or notice color changes or bleeding while brushing, contact a dental clinic today. A proactive approach to oral health can prevent tooth loss or major dental surgeries.
