Oral Surgery

Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures performed to treat conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures. Here's a breakdown of some common types of oral surgery:

1. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Surgery

What it is: The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. Problems with the TMJ can cause pain, dysfunction, and other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the jaw, clicking sounds, headaches, or facial pain.

When it's needed: Surgery is typically considered when more conservative treatments (like physical therapy, medications, or splints) do not relieve the symptoms. TMJ surgery can involve:

• Arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to guide the surgery)

• Joint reconstruction (repairing or replacing the joint)

• Discectomy (removing the damaged disc in the joint)

2. Wisdom Teeth Extraction

What it is: Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth, usually coming in during late adolescence or early adulthood. Sometimes, these teeth don’t fully emerge or come in at an angle, which can cause pain, infections, or damage to adjacent teeth.

When it's needed: Removal of wisdom teeth is often done if they are impacted (stuck beneath the gum line), causing crowding, infections, or other dental issues. It can also be performed prophylactically to prevent future problems.

The procedure: Extraction can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.

3. Cyst and Tumor Removal

What it is: Cysts or tumors can develop in the mouth, jaw, or surrounding tissues. These growths may be benign (non-cancerous) but can cause discomfort, difficulty eating or swallowing, or interfere with normal dental function.

When it's needed: Surgery is needed to remove cysts, benign tumors, or even certain malignant growths. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the growth.

Dental cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form around the roots of teeth or in other areas of the mouth. They can cause bone loss or tooth displacement and are typically removed surgically.

Jaw tumors: Sometimes tumors in the jaw require more extensive surgery, which could involve bone removal or reconstruction.

4. Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

What it is: This is surgery to correct irregularities of the jaw bones and bite (occlusion). It’s often done when a person’s upper and lower jaws are not aligned properly, causing issues with speaking, eating, breathing, or facial appearance.

When it's needed: It's typically recommended if other treatments (like braces) cannot correct severe bite issues or jaw deformities.

Surgical procedures can include realigning the upper jaw (maxillary) or lower jaw (mandibular) or both, depending on the condition.

5. Bone Grafting and Implant Placement

What it is: Bone grafting is often used in oral surgery to repair bone loss, whether due to trauma, disease, or congenital defects. It can be done to create a solid foundation for dental implants.

When it's needed: Bone grafts may be used in preparation for placing dental implants if there’s insufficient bone volume or density in the jaw. The bone graft can help support the implant and ensure its long-term success.

6. Oral Pathology

What it is: Oral surgery may also include the diagnosis and treatment of various oral diseases. This can involve the removal of tissue for biopsy (to rule out cancer), treating infections, or managing oral manifestations of systemic diseases.

When it's needed: If a patient has suspicious oral lesions, swelling, or symptoms like chronic pain or ulcers, surgery might be performed to biopsy or treat the condition.

7. Facial Trauma Surgery

What it is: Facial trauma can result from accidents, injuries, or other causes that lead to fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or other facial structures. Oral surgeons are skilled in reconstructing these fractures to restore proper function and appearance.

When it's needed: Surgery is required to realign and stabilize fractured bones, often involving plates and screws, and to address any damage to teeth or soft tissues.

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Types of Anesthesia Used in Oral Surgery

• Local anesthesia: Numbs only the area being treated.

• Sedation anesthesia: A sedative is given to relax the patient, usually in combination with local anesthesia.

• General anesthesia: Puts the patient into a deep sleep and is used for more complex procedures or for those who experience anxiety.

Recovery and Aftercare

After oral surgery, recovery time can vary depending on the procedure. Common aftercare includes managing swelling, taking prescribed pain medication, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. It's important to follow post-op instructions to avoid complications like infection or dry socket (especially after tooth extractions).

Oral surgeons are specialized in handling these complex conditions and procedures and often work closely with other dental professionals, such as orthodontists, periodontists, and general dentists, to provide comprehensive care.