Common Types Of Oral Surgeries And What You Can Expect

Oral surgery can be a serious undertaking, but there are several conditions that merit a surgical procedure. If you know what to expect from your procedure, it can help you be more prepared for it. Here are a few common types of oral surgeries and what you should expect.

Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The last teeth to develop are the third molars. Sometimes, these teeth do not cause issues, but for many people they do not fully erupt, or they are improperly aligned. They can become impacted between the jaw bone and the gums. This can have a negative effect on the health of adjacent and surrounding teeth.

Dental Implants

Implants are one of the most modern ways to replace missing teeth. A metal post is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Over time, it will fuse with the bone and the gum tissue. An artificial, but real-looking tooth is placed over the post once the site has healed. The healing process can vary but can take weeks to months to heal completely.

Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth extracted is the most common type of oral surgery. Alternative treatment options such a root canals or tooth restoration is the treatment of choice, but an extraction may be necessary for many people.

Jaw Surgery

If the jaws are not aligned properly, it can cause problems with your appearance and with the function of the mouth. Surgery is necessary in many cases to correct bites or restore full function.

Before Oral Surgery

Your dental professional will offer you pre-surgery treatment plans. They will discuss appropriate sedation methods and offer you post-surgery treatment plans.

After Oral Surgery

There is always a recovery period after any type of surgery. If you are placed under general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-surgery instructions for you to follow.