There are many reasons why you may need oral surgery in Plainview. An oral surgical procedure can be related to your teeth, jaws, gums, or any other type of oral structure. It may be something as common as an extraction or more involved like dental implants, jaw surgeries, or gum grafts. To get your oral issue resolved, consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist, both of whom have the required training to perform these procedures.
Common Issues That Call for Oral Surgery
Your dentist may recommend oral surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
- Missing or impacted teeth
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Badly broken or cracked teeth
- Extensive tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Non-cancerous lumps
- Sleep apnea
Main Types of Oral Surgeries Performed
Among the most common types of oral surgeries performed each year, you may find:
Tooth Removal
Having a tooth extracted may be necessary if the tooth is drastically decayed, there is gum disease, you have had some sort of dental trauma, or you have developed complications with your wisdom teeth. In some cases, teeth may need to be removed to prepare the mouth for a prosthetic device or dentures.
Nowadays, it is common practice for dentists to attempt to save as many natural teeth as possible. Yet, extractions may be unavoidable to achieve overall oral health.
Dental Bone Graft
Bone loss in your jaw may happen when you have a tooth that has been missing for some time, allowing the area to deteriorate since there is no root to stimulate the nerves there. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft to provide a solid foundation to keep your teeth strong and functioning properly, or they may do a graft so that dental implants can be placed on that spot later on.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become the most reliable and longest-lasting option when it comes to tooth replacements. Medical-grade titanium posts are embedded into your jaw, replacing the roots of your missing teeth. Once they heal, they may be restored with dental crowns, dentures, or bridges.
Periodontal Surgery
If you suffer from gum disease, your doctor may recommend periodontal surgery. In this procedure, incisions will be made along the gum line and the tissue that covers it will be moved away from the teeth. The roots of your teeth will then be cleaned and the gum tissue will be returned to its original position and sutured into place.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
In this procedure, skeletal abnormalities of your jaw bones are addressed. Your dentist may recommend this surgery to improve the way you chew, correct any misalignments, or address any imbalances in your face.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
When a CPAP machine does not successfully treat sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention to address the problem.