Oral surgery is a type of dentistry that involves surgery to fix various dental issues. Dentists can treat most dental problems with non-surgical methods. But, there are situations where oral surgery becomes necessary. In this blog, we explore what oral surgery entails and how to determine if oral surgery is necessary. We also provide guidance on what to do if you need oral surgery. Knowing when you need oral surgery can help you make decisions about your oral health.

What Does Oral Surgery Entail?

Oral surgery includes several procedures that involve the mouth, jaw, or face. There are a few common oral surgeries. These include tooth extraction, dental implants,  and corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgeons perform these procedures and have received specialized training beyond dental school.

Determining If Oral Surgery Is Necessary

There are several signs and conditions that might be a sign that you need oral surgery. Here are a few common situations where oral surgery may be necessary.

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth.  When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge, they can become impacted. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Oral surgery is often recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth.
• Tooth Extraction. In cases of severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or tooth trauma, you may need to extract a tooth. Oral surgery may be necessary for complex extractions, like impacted or broken teeth.
• Dental Implants. If you are missing one or more teeth and wish to have them replaced with dental implants, you need oral surgery. This involves placing titanium implants into the jaw, serving as artificial tooth roots.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery.  Jaw misalignment or skeletal irregularities can affect your bite, speech, and facial appearance. Corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw and improve functionality.
• Oral Pathology. If you have abnormal growths or lesions in the mouth, you may need oral surgery. This surgery diagnoses and removes them where present. Biopsies are often performed during oral surgery. This helps to determine if the growths are cancerous or benign.

What to Do If You Need Oral Surgery

If you think that you may need oral surgery, schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon or your dentist. They will check out your condition and determine if oral surgery is necessary. During the consultation, ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions and guidelines. These instructions help to ensure a smooth surgical experience.

Following oral surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions on pain management, wound care, and restrictions. You need to follow these instructions as much as possible. These instructions promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. You will also need regular follow-up visits to track your progress. These visits can also address any concerns.

Contact Us

Oral surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical methods cannot resolve the problem. By knowing when you need oral surgery, you can take the right steps to address your oral health needs. If you suspect you need oral surgery, consult with an oral surgeon or your dentist at Magnolia Dental. They can help you receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. We want to help to ensure successful outcomes and a healthier smile.