Types of Dental Surgery
There are many reasons why one might get dental surgery. There are cosmetic reasons such as misalignment of the jaws and dental implant surgery. You might have to have dental surgery if you have a tooth that is impacted in the gums and needs to be removed. These types of dental surgeries must be performed by an oral surgeon. Extractions and root canals are also considered dental surgery; however these can be conducted by a dentist in a dental practice.
Specialist Dental Surgery
If the jaws are severely misaligned and you are seeking orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend that you have orthodontic surgery. This type of surgery is performed by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. During this type of surgery is done by actually breaking and realigning the lower jaw. This can make the entire structure of the face appear very different. This type of surgery is not always done only for cosmetic reasons. It can also improve breathing, chewing and speech problems in those that have a sever misalignment of jaws.
Wisdom Teeth
Many times there is a need for an oral surgeon when the wisdom teeth are impacted in the gums. This is because the wisdom teeth will continue trying to push through, making the other teeth in the mouth crooked and misaligned. This is especially true if the patient has previously had orthodontic treatment.
If the wisdom teeth are still impacted in the gums the gums will need to be cut open to remove the teeth. This is usually done under a very strong anesthesia. Once the teeth are out the oral surgeon will place stitches in the mouth. While this type of surgery is often preformed on wisdom teeth, it is sometimes preformed on other impacted teeth as well.
Dental Extractions
Extractions are done in a dental practice on patients almost every day. An extraction is simply removing an ailing tooth. This is sometimes done when the tooth has decayed so much that it is beyond repair. More often it is done at the patient’s request. Some patients will request that a tooth be extracted, because it is less expensive to extract a tooth than it is to repair it. Other patients simply want the tooth extracted, because they are planning to get dentures.
Root Canal
A root canal is also performed by a general dentist. Mild sedation is often common for patients who are receiving a root canal. Patients also have the option of only receiving a local anaesthesia, such as Novocain. During a root canal the pulp of the tooth and the root canals are removed. The canal is then filled in with a material called "gutta percha". The filling is finished and a cap is placed on the tooth. This cap is only temporary. A new permanent cap will be fabricated and placed on the tooth at another time.
Advice on Having Dental Surgery
Oral surgery can be scary for many people. If you are nervous about your upcoming oral surgery you should voice your concerns with your dentist. You can also schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Make sure you assess all your options.
Many people have a lot of questions, but forget them once they get to the dentist. It is a good idea to write down your questions so that you will remember. Keep in mind that a dentist or oral surgeon shouldn’t have a problem listening to your concerns and answering your questions. If you feel put off or "brushed" (ahem) aside you might consider contacting another doctor to do the surgery.
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