Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that deals with surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, and associated structures. Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed additional training in surgical procedures.
There are many reasons why you might need oral surgery. Some common reasons include:
- Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth are the four molars that grow in the back of your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are often impacted, which means they don't have enough room to grow in properly. This can lead to pain, infection, and other dental problems.
- Root canal therapy: Root canal therapy is a procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The dentist or oral surgeon will remove the infected pulp from the tooth and fill it with a special material.
- Dental implant placement: Dental implants are artificial teeth that are placed into the jawbone. They can be used to replace missing teeth or to support a bridge or denture.
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are procedures to remove the tonsils and adenoids. The tonsils are two small, oval-shaped masses of tissue that are located at the back of the throat. The adenoids are a mass of tissue that is located at the back of the nose. These procedures are often performed to treat chronic tonsillitis, chronic adenoiditis, or sleep apnea.
If you think you might need oral surgery, it is important to see your dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation. They will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
Here are some of the risks associated with oral surgery.
- Infection: There is always a risk of infection after any surgery. However, the risk of infection is very low with oral surgery.
- Bleeding: Bleeding is also a risk after oral surgery. However, the bleeding is usually minimal and can be controlled with pressure.
- Pain: There will be some pain after oral surgery. However, the pain can be controlled with medication.
- Swelling: There will be some swelling after oral surgery. The swelling usually goes away within a few days.
- Nerve damage: There is a very small risk of nerve damage after oral surgery. However, nerve damage is very rare.
If you are considering oral surgery, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits. Oral surgery can be a safe and effective way to treat a variety of dental problems. However, it is important to understand the risks and make an informed decision.
