The term ‘oral surgery’ refers to a range of maxillofacial surgeries that mend and repair problems with the teeth, jaw, and bone structure in the mouth.

The type of oral surgery that will be needed in any individual case will depend on the specific issues, symptoms, and oral health goals of the patient.

If you’re concerned that you might need oral surgery, reach out to us at Dison Dentistry in Miami to set up a consultation and create a plan for moving forward.

What Are Oral Surgeries?

Oral surgeries can repair a number of issues, including:

• Cleft palate.
• Pain associated with tooth decay or root damage.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• Impacted wisdom teeth.

These surgeries and others are performed by dental specialists who undergo years of specialized training in order to identify and correct maxillofacial issues.

What Are the Most Common Oral Surgeries?

The most common types of oral surgeries include wisdom teeth removal and the extraction of other teeth.

Sometime between the ages of 17 and 20, it’s common to have the wisdom teeth removed if their eruption causes crowding or discomfort in the mouth. In fact, it is estimated that about 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year.

In some cases, the wisdom teeth become impacted and require extraction. In other cases, no surgery may be necessary for the wisdom teeth. The oral surgeon may opt to do two separate surgeries, one for each side of the mouth. Other surgeons prefer to extract all four wisdom teeth at once.

Millions of people get teeth removed every year, often for a variety of reasons. An injury, damage to a tooth’s root, decay, and other issues may result in the need to have a tooth removed, and an oral surgeon can take care of this issue.

What Are Other Types of Oral Surgeries?

Some other types of oral surgeries include:

• Dental Implants: If a tooth is lost or removed from the visible part of the smile, the patient may wish to have dental implants in order to replace that tooth. This process can take a few months, as there are a few steps to the procedure, but the result is well worth the effort.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management: In some cases, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by structural problems with the palate, jaw, and/or upper airway that limit the ability to take in enough oxygen while sleeping. Oral surgery can fix those issues by opening up the airway.
• Facial Reconstruction: Injury that breaks the jaw or bones in the face will likely require facial reconstruction surgery to repair form and function.

Do Oral Surgeries Hurt?

In most cases, a numbing agent is used at the site of the surgery. In certain circumstances, sedation may be an appropriate option. As the numbing agent wears off and the mouth begins to heal, the gums may be sore at the site of the surgery.

Are you ready to look into an oral surgery that may benefit you? Call Dison Dentistry now to book your first appointment and get started.