Description

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions, injuries, and diseases that require surgical intervention in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Here are some key points about oral surgery.

Oral surgeons perform tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, impacted, or causing overcrowding. Oral surgeons are involved in the placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that provide a foundation for replacement teeth. This procedure involves surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone.

Oral surgeons can correct jaw irregularities, such as malocclusion, misalignment, or skeletal discrepancies, through orthognathic surgery. This procedure aims to improve bite, speech, breathing, and facial aesthetics. Oral surgeons diagnose and treat TMJ disorders that affect the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. Surgical options may be considered for severe cases that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Oral surgeons can diagnose and treat various oral diseases and conditions, including oral cancer, cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities. They may perform biopsies and surgically remove lesions when necessary.

Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons can perform reconstructive procedures to restore functionality and aesthetics in cases of facial trauma, cleft lip and palate, or congenital abnormalities. Oral surgeons can perform procedures to prepare the mouth for the placement of dentures or other dental prosthetics. This may involve bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or soft tissue modifications. In certain cases of obstructive sleep apnea, oral surgeons may perform surgical procedures to address airway obstructions, such as removing excess tissue or repositioning the jaw. Oral surgeons are skilled in treating facial injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents. They can repair fractured jaws, facial bones, and soft tissues to restore function and aesthetics. Oral surgeons are trained in administering various levels of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia, to ensure patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures.

It's important to consult with an oral surgeon for a proper evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific oral health condition. They have the expertise to perform complex surgical procedures and ensure optimal outcomes. Diagnosing and treating oral health conditions requires a comprehensive approach that involves assessing symptoms, performing examinations, and utilizing appropriate diagnostic tools. Here is an overview of the process.

The dentist or oral healthcare provider will begin by reviewing your medical history, including any existing medical conditions, medications, allergies, and previous dental treatments. This information helps in understanding your overall health and potential factors influencing your oral health. The dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. They will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. They may also assess your bite, jaw alignment, and overall oral function.

To aid in diagnosis, dentists may use various diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, intraoral cameras, dental impressions, or digital scans. These tools provide detailed images and information about the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures, helping to identify hidden issues that may not be visible during a regular examination. Depending on the suspected condition, additional tests or screenings may be performed. For example, if oral cancer is suspected, a biopsy or a referral to a specialist may be necessary.

Dental caries affects numerous pediatric patients. Unrestorable caries could result in the extraction of either primary or permanent teeth. Referrals for extraction of primary teeth are often a result of unmanageable behavior. The procedure may require an intravenous or general anesthetic. Despite advances in prevention and access to care, dental caries still affects many pediatric patients. Providers dealing with pediatric patients are bound to see patients with congenital anomalies. One of the most common anomalies seen is cleft lip and palate. Different populations and ethnic groups have different incidences of cleft lip and palate. These anomalies can present as isolated cleft lip, isolated cleft palate, or unilateral/ bilateral cleft lip and palate. Clefts can range from incomplete clefts to large, deforming clefts. Each patient has individual, unique treatment needs. The procedures and surgical technique may be similar in adult and pediatric patients, but the behavioral and anesthetic considerations are different. These patients have a subset of pathologic lesions that are unique to pediatric patients, and there are always exceptions to established norms. Certain procedures and clinical findings may be more common in children, simply because of their age, growth, and development. The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery has witnessed a large trend of inclusion of maxillofacial oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery within its scope of practice in recent years. The purpose of this report is to describe the authors' experience with a very active oncologic and microvascular reconstructive surgical service within an academic oral and maxillofacial surgical program at a large university teaching hospital.

Surgical Interventions

After diagnosing the condition, the dentist will discuss the findings with you and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The plan may include preventive measures, non-surgical interventions, or more complex procedures, depending on the severity and nature of the condition. The treatment options will depend on the specific condition being addressed. They can range from basic procedures like fillings, cleanings, or extractions to more advanced treatments such as root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, dental implants, orthodontics, or oral surgery. Throughout the process, the dentist will provide information and guidance on oral health maintenance, proper oral hygiene techniques, and lifestyle changes that can help improve oral health. Clear communication between the dentist and patient is vital to ensure a shared understanding of the condition and the recommended treatment plan. After treatment, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the progress of the condition and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. On-going oral health maintenance, including regular check-ups and preventive care, is essential to prevent further complications and maintain oral health. It's important to consult with a qualified dentist or oral healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs.