Five procedures in oral surgery to know
Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. We use it for eating, talking and non-verbal communication and it plays a major role in how we feel about our face when we look in the mirror or interact with other people. If you’re unhappy with the look or function of your mouth, oral surgery could be a solution.
1. Dental implants
Dental implants have been around for a long time and more than five million are placed each year in the United States, but surprisingly, some patients are still unaware how easy it can be to restore missing teeth with a permanent replacement that looks, feels and functions just like natural teeth. Placed into the jawbone and then fitted with a single crown or larger prosthesis, dental implants help patients smile with confidence again.
2. Wisdom tooth removal
While wisdom tooth extraction is hardly an unknown procedure, many patients are unaware that the procedure can be carried out as a preventative measure, before wisdom teeth cause problems inside the mouth. Your dentist or oral surgeon can analyze your third molars using x-rays or other imagery to determine whether you are at risk for impaction, tooth decay, abscesses, gum disease, crowding or other issues.
3. ALL-ON-4®
Designed for patients missing most, or all of their teeth, ALL-ON-4® implants are set at an angle to provide complete support and stability with only four implants per arch. A major benefit of this technique is that it allows many patients with bone loss to receive implants without needing bone grafts.
4. Orthognathic surgery
Orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery is a treatment source for patients with malaligned upper and lower jaws. These jaws (maxilla and mandible) are important for functioning, and if not aligned properly can cause problematic dental issues, cosmetic facial profile issues, as well as TMJ issues. These life changing surgeries are also co-treated with orthodontists to allow proper function and form of teeth and skeleton.
5. Snoring or sleep apnea
While non-surgical treatment options should always be exhausted first, patients who suffer from severe snoring or sleep apnea may want to opt for elective oral surgery procedures that remove the soft tissues at the back of the mouth (oropharynx) to help open the airway and improve breathing. New laser surgery is now available to facilitate these procedures.