If you are talking with your dentist and they suggest dental oral surgery, it might be somewhat intimidating at first. But what is oral surgery? The sound of this process seems a lot more daunting than it generally is. While there are many types of dental procedures small or large, when talking about dental oral surgery there are two common types that are often referred to. Here is a look at these two types of oral surgery that are quite frequently performed.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When asking your dentist, “what is oral surgery”, one of the first types of oral surgery that they might mention is wisdom teeth extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common practices for all oral surgeons simply because so many people need the procedure done. Your wisdom teeth are your last teeth that come in as adults, the third molars. This typically happens sometime between someone’s late teenage years up until their mid-twenties. However, not everyone has wisdom teeth and has to have this surgery. There are many people that do not have these teeth at all, or only have wisdom teeth either on the top or on the bottom of their mouth. In any regard, it is important to get this surgery done as soon as you can. The longer that you wait to get your wisdom teeth removed, the higher the chance of impaction or infection. Prior to the surgery, you will have an examination with your dentist so that they can fully understand how fully developed your wisdom teeth are and what the proper course of action is. If removal is necessary, then you will be put under anesthesia for the surgery and usually can be headed home once you wake up. The next time your dentist responds to your question, “what is oral surgery”, with information about wisdom teeth extraction, it is a good idea to get the surgery done as soon as your dentist thinks it is appropriate!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are also one of the most common forms of surgery discussed when faced with the question, what is oral surgery? When someone is missing one or more teeth, there are usually a few options that they can go by in trying to replace the teeth. These options consist of dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. Unfortunately, there is not always a choice to be had. Depending on the circumstances, dentists can make a thorough examination and determine which method is the best way to go. If your dentist believes that dental implants are a valid option for you, then you can expect to see some great results and benefits. For example, dental implants are a very effective way of stopping the shrinkage of your jaw if you are missing teeth. If you have missing teeth and do not take care of it, your jaw can begin to shrink. However, if you receive implants in these missing spots, the titanium in them replace the missing root and ultimately stop this shrinkage from occurring. Dentures and bridges do not have the same ability to stop jawbone shrinkage. There are many additional benefits of dental implants, so if you are missing any teeth and are thinking, “what is oral surgery and how can it help me”, then we suggest talking with your dentist about implants!
When it comes down to it, the answer to the question, “what is oral surgery”, can be pretty simple. Oral surgery is a way to improve the function and appearance of your mouth and reduce any potential problems from occurring in the future. Whether you need wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants, different types of oral surgery can accomplish what you need and help your mouth to feel better than ever before! Is oral surgery something that you need done?
Visit us at www.devotedfamilydental.com for more information to try and figure out if this is the right way to go for you. Devoted Family Dental is Washington’s favorite family dentist!