Oral surgery encompasses a spectrum of surgical procedures performed in the oral cavity and surrounding structures to address various dental issues and improve oral health, function, and aesthetics. From wisdom tooth extraction to dental implant placement, oral surgery targets severe conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw irregularities, gum disease, and missing teeth.
Patients who can benefit from oral surgery include those experiencing pain, discomfort, or functional limitations due to dental problems like impacted wisdom teeth, missing teeth, misaligned jaws, or gum recession. Additionally, individuals seeking to enhance their smile aesthetics or address facial asymmetry may benefit from oral surgery. Oral surgery provides tailored solutions to restore oral health, alleviate symptoms, enhance aesthetics, and improve overall quality of life for many patients.
Who Can Benefit From Oral Surgery Procedures?
Patients With Impacted Teeth
Oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extraction or surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, can relieve individuals experiencing pain, discomfort, or complications due to impacted teeth. Removing impacted teeth can prevent further dental issues, such as infection, gum disease, or damage to adjacent teeth, and promote oral health and well-being.
Individuals With Misaligned Jaws or Bite Issues
Oral surgery, such as orthognathic surgery or jaw repositioning procedures, can correct misaligned jaws, improve bite function, and enhance facial aesthetics. These procedures benefit individuals with skeletal discrepancies, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or bite abnormalities that affect chewing, speaking, or facial symmetry.
Patients Requiring Dental Implants
Oral surgery is essential for the placement of dental implants, providing a permanent and stable foundation for tooth replacement. Individuals with missing teeth or those seeking a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth replacement can benefit from dental implant surgery to restore oral function, aesthetics, and confidence.
Treatment of Oral Pathologies or Tumors
Oral surgery procedures, such as biopsy, excision, or removal of oral lesions, cysts, or tumors, are necessary for diagnosing and treating oral pathologies. Early detection and treatment of oral tumors or lesions through surgical intervention can prevent progression to more severe conditions and improve treatment outcomes.
Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Oral surgery, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), can alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by enlarging the airway and reducing airway obstruction during sleep. Surgical intervention may be recommended for individuals with moderate to severe OSA who have not responded to nonsurgical treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Treatment of Oral Trauma or Facial Injuries
Oral surgery procedures are essential for the treatment of oral trauma, facial fractures, or injuries resulting from accidents, sports-related incidents, or physical assaults. Prompt surgical intervention can restore oral function, aesthetics, and structural integrity, promoting healing and recovery for individuals with facial injuries or trauma.
Patients Requiring Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Pre-prosthetic surgery, such as bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or sinus lift procedures, may be necessary to prepare the jawbone for the placement of dental prosthetics, such as dentures or dental implants. These surgical interventions improve bone volume, density, and stability, ensuring optimal outcomes for prosthetic tooth replacement and enhancing long-term prosthetic success.
Management of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Oral surgery, such as arthroscopy, joint repair, or replacement, may be indicated for managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders characterized by pain, dysfunction, or limited jaw movement. Surgical intervention aims to restore TMJ function, alleviate symptoms, and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing TMJ-related issues.
Patients Requiring Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective or orthognathic surgery benefits individuals with congenital or acquired jaw abnormalities, malocclusions, or facial asymmetry. These surgical procedures correct functional and aesthetic concerns, improve bite alignment, and enhance facial harmony and balance, improving oral health and overall well-being.
Individuals With Dental or Facial Deformities
Oral surgery can address dental or facial deformities resulting from congenital anomalies, developmental abnormalities, or traumatic injuries. Surgical correction of dental or facial deformities improves aesthetics, restores function, and enhances self-esteem and confidence for individuals with craniofacial anomalies or facial disfigurement.
Oral Surgery Procedures
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often become impacted due to lack of space in the jaw, leading to pain, infection, and other complications. Oral surgeons perform wisdom tooth extraction to alleviate discomfort, prevent dental problems, and preserve oral health.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Oral surgeons perform dental implant surgery to restore oral function, improve aesthetics, and prevent bone loss. Dental implants are a permanent and stable solution for tooth replacement, closely mimicking the look and function of natural teeth. Contact us today!
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct abnormalities of the jaws and facial structure. It may be recommended to treat conditions such as misaligned jaws (malocclusion), facial asymmetry, or obstructive sleep apnea. Orthognathic surgery aims to improve chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics while addressing functional issues related to jaw alignment.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is used to augment or regenerate bone in the jaw to support dental implants or repair bone defects. Oral surgeons harvest bone from a donor site, such as the hip or jaw, or use synthetic materials to restore bone volume and density. Bone grafting is essential for ensuring dental implant placement's success and enhancing oral health.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting involves transplanting gum tissue to treat gum recession and improve gum health and aesthetics. Oral surgeons perform gum grafts to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce tooth sensitivity, and prevent further gum recession. Gum grafting procedures help restore a balanced and healthy gumline, enhancing the appearance of the smile and protecting tooth roots from decay.
Oral surgery procedures encompass a diverse range of interventions to address many dental, oral, and facial conditions. Visit Blue Turtle Dental at one of our convenient locations at 2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306; 81 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062; or 1394 Franklin St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your oral health and enhancing your smile with expert oral surgery care. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (650) 503-6777, (650) 345-5300, or (408) 246-6030.