Oral Surgery | Save Your Teeth and Smile
When a dentist mentions “oral surgery,” many patients begin to panic. Most patients think that there is something seriously wrong with them, or that they are going to be undergoing a dangerous, painful, and expensive procedure. The truth is, however, that many oral surgery procedures are commonplace and address conditions that many patients of all ages experience, such as impacted wisdom teeth, sleep apnea, or tooth loss. While every case is different, many of these procedures are completed on an outpatient basis, and patients can resume work and normal activities within a few days. It is also true that many dentists recommend that you see an oral surgeon because in some cases, the surgeon may advise us that there are other, nonsurgical, treatments available. If you are apprehensive about a referral to an oral surgeon, speak with us at your next dentist appointment.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafting is often required when there is not enough natural bone in the jaw to support a dental implant. Bone loss can occur due to periodontal disease, trauma, or long-term tooth loss. A bone graft involves placing new bone material—either from the patient, a donor, or synthetic—into the deficient area. Over time, this grafted bone integrates with the existing bone and promotes regeneration. This process may take several months before the site is ready for implant placement.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures and are often necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, infected, damaged beyond repair, or causing crowding. Extractions can be simple performed under local anesthesia using forceps or surgical, which involves making an incision in the gum and possibly removing bone or cutting the tooth for easier removal. Extractions are often the first step in treating oral health conditions or preparing for orthodontic or prosthetic treatments.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry over the past few decades. They serve as artificial tooth roots made of titanium or titanium alloy materials chosen for their strength, durability, and biocompatibility with the body. Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone where they gradually integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This fusion usually takes 3–6 months and forms a stable base for placing crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth due to decay, trauma, gum disease, or systemic health conditions.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, the jaw doesn't have enough space to accommodate them, leading to pain, swelling, or shifting of other teeth. When these teeth erupt normally, they can be removed via a simple extraction. However, if they are misaligned or cause complications like infection or damage to adjacent teeth, removal becomes necessary to preserve overall oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that fail to erupt fully into the mouth, often remaining trapped under the gum or jawbone. These teeth can cause intense pain, cysts, infections, and crowding. Surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth involves making an incision in the gum tissue, removing bone if necessary, and carefully extracting the tooth. The area is then sutured to aid in healing. Recovery typically takes several days, and antibiotics or pain management may be prescribed.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure used to expose more of a tooth's surface by carefully removing or reshaping gum tissue and sometimes underlying bone. This is often necessary when there is decay or damage below the gumline, or when a tooth does not have enough structure above the gums to support a filling or crown. It is also performed for cosmetic reasons to correct a gummy smile, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing gum-to-tooth ratio. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and is generally well tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort and a relatively quick healing process. After the procedure, patients are typically advised to follow specific oral hygiene instructions and may need to wait a few weeks before receiving permanent dental restorations to allow proper healing and tissue stabilization.
Gum Grafts
Gum grafting is used to treat gum recession, which exposes the roots of teeth and increases sensitivity and risk of decay. During this procedure, tissue usually taken from the roof of the mouth or a donor source is grafted to the affected gum area. The new tissue helps to cover the exposed roots, stop further recession, and improve aesthetics. Healing may take a few weeks, and proper post-operative care is essential to ensure successful integration of the graft.
