Oral health is an integral part of your overall well-being. Maintaining it sometimes requires more than good oral hygiene, regular cleanings, and the occasional filling.Oral surgery is necessary when traditional dental treatments cannot resolve certain conditions or issues. Here are some common signs that may indicate that you may need oral surgery.
Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common reasons for patients needing oral surgery. These teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, they often grow in at awkward angles due to limited space in the mouth. They can cause the following issues:
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many oral surgeons recommend removing them prematurely to prevent future dental issues. Patients with wisdom teeth with signs of disease or experiencing symptoms should also have them removed.
Dental professionals do their best to avoid extracting teeth. However, when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, saving it through conventional procedures like fillings or crowns may not be possible. In these cases, an oral surgeon can remove the tooth and place a dental implant or bridge.
For patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, an oral surgeon can make incisions along the gum line and temporarily move the tissue away from the teeth. Then, the surgeon will clean the teeth roots and flush away the accumulated plaque and bacteria. Finally, they will reposition and suture the gum tissue back into the place.
If a patient has gum recession due to periodontal disease, they may need a gum graft. During this procedure, the oral surgeon will reinforce the affected area with donor tissue. The donor tissue may come from the roof of the patient's mouth or a tissue bank.
Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting teeth replacement option. They are small titanium posts that an oral surgeon embeds into the patient's jaw to replace missing teeth roots. After a healing process known as osseointegration, the surgeon can place dental crowns, bridges, or dentures to provide the patient with a seamless and beautiful smile.
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, addresses skeletal issues of the jaw bones. This procedure can improve chewing function, correct misalignment, and address facial imbalances. Corrective jaw surgery can also address symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. In severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary to correct or repair damaged joint tissues. Some patients may even need their jaw joint replaced.
Oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat various oral pathologies, including cysts and tumors. These growths can develop within the mouth's jawbone, gums, or soft tissues. An oral surgeon can remove and biopsy the pathology to determine if the growth is benign or malignant.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the airway closes partially or completely during sleep. Oral surgery can help treat these conditions in some cases. Procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement can help alleviate this serious condition and help patients achieve a more productive and healthy sleep cycle.
Some babies are born with a cleft lip or palate. These occur when facial structures do not fully develop in the womb. Oral surgeons commonly perform cleft lip and palate repair procedures to restore a natural eating function and help young patients develop normal speech patterns as they grow up.
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If you experience any of the conditions mentioned above or symptoms, it is important to consult a qualified oral surgeon. Call our office to schedule a consultation. Early intervention is key to a better outcome and a healthier smile in the long run.
Request an appointment or call Premier Oral Surgery at 203-945-0049 for an appointment in our Norwalk office.
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