What You Need to Know About Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that encompasses a wide range of procedures aimed at addressing various oral health concerns. In this review, we look at the most important things that you should know about oral surgery, whether you are contemplating treatment or have received a recommendation from your dentist.

4 things to know about oral surgery

The more information a patient has, the better they will be able to prepare for oral surgery. Here are four things to know before making a decision.

There are different types of oral surgery procedures

Oral surgery is a general term, and multiple oral surgery procedures are designed to address various oral health concerns and conditions. These procedures are performed by oral surgeons, who are dental professionals with expertise in surgical techniques. Here are a few common types of oral surgery procedures:

• Dental implants
• Tooth extractions
• Wisdom tooth removal
• Corrective jaw surgery

Highly trained specialists perform oral surgery

Oral surgeons, or oral and maxillofacial surgeons, undergo extensive education and training. Notably, they must complete a dental school program, a multi-year residency program, and medical training.

They also must be certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Due to their extensive training, oral surgeons are well-equipped to handle routine and complex cases, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients' oral and facial health.

Oral surgery helps prevent and treat a range of oral health concerns

Oral surgery plays a crucial role in preventing and treating many oral health concerns. Here is an overview of how it helps address various oral health issues:

• Wisdom tooth removal: Oral surgeons often recommend the removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to prevent potential complications, such as impaction, infection, and misalignment of adjacent teeth.
• Orthognathic surgery: This type of corrective surgery can prevent or alleviate issues related to misaligned jaws, such as bite problems, jaw pain, and facial asymmetry.
• Dental implants: Dental implant surgery replaces missing teeth with durable, natural-looking prosthetics, preventing issues associated with tooth loss, such as bone resorption and bite problems.
• Corrective jaw surgery: This procedure effectively treats malocclusion, TMJ disorders, and facial deformities, improving oral function and facial aesthetics.
• Surgical treatment of TMJ disorders: In cases of severe TMJ disorders, surgical interventions can provide relief from chronic pain and dysfunction.

Oral surgery recovery takes between two and 14 days in most cases

Oral surgery typically takes less than two weeks to complete. That said, the recovery length depends on the procedure type and how well the patient follows the aftercare plan. Complications are rare but can occur and may impact the length of recovery.