According to a study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, over 5 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year in the US.
This statistic highlights the prevalence of this procedure and its significance in dental care.
Dental health is directly associated with an individual’s overall well-being.
Sometimes, maintaining this health requires different types of oral surgeries.
While dental surgery might sound daunting, understanding the procedures can ease your mind.
This post will cover 7 common dental surgeries, providing detailed insights into each, including;
- Why they're needed
- How they're performed
- And what is the expected recovery period
What is Dental or Oral Surgery?
Dental surgery is a common surgical procedure performed on the teeth, gums, and jaw to address various dental conditions and improve oral health.
It is carried out by dentists or oral surgeons and can range from routine extractions to complex reconstructive procedures.
Reasons for Oral Surgery
Below are the potential reasons for common dental surgeries that rashes in some way for tooth removal.
- Remove teeth stuck in the jawbone and cannot erupt properly
- Extraction of severely decayed, damaged, or non-restorable teeth
- Placement of artificial tooth roots to support replacement teeth
- Realignment of the jaws to improve functionality and aesthetics
- Correction of congenital deformities affecting the upper lip and palate
- Surgical removal of cancerous growths in the mouth
- Treatment of fractures and jaw, cheek, or facial bone injuries
- Surgery to address chronic pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint
7 Common Dental Surgeries
1. Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the most common dental surgery. The procedure comprises to remove a tooth from its socket in the bone.
This procedure is often necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair.
When Is It Necessary?
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- Overcrowded teeth
Oral surgical procedures are used to remove to make space for orthodontic treatment.
Procedure
- Anesthesia is used to numb the surgical site around the tooth.
- To loosen the teeth from the bone socket, Forceps are used.
- If a tooth is stuck in the bone, it must be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- A gauze pad is placed to stop the bleeding, and painkillers may be used to manage discomfort.
Retrieval
• Diet
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies for a few days.
• Oral Hygiene
- Be gentle when brushing the tooth
- Rinse with a saltwater solution to keep the area clean
Common Dentistry Instruments Used
- Forceps
- Elevators
- Periosteal Elevators
2. Dental Implants
Having teeth missing in the mouth is the most embarrassing moment one can experience in front of others.
Dental implants are common dental surgeries that replace missing teeth with perfectly constructed implants.
The procedure provides a permanent solution by directly anchoring artificial teeth into the jawbone.
When Is It Necessary?
- Missing Teeth
- Dentures Alternative
Procedure
- In order to install the implant, X-rays and imprints of your teeth and gums are obtained.
- The dental professional inserts a titanium post into the mandible while sedating the patient. The new tooth is rooted in this post.
- The implant fused with the mandible during the following few months. This procedure is essential to the implant's stability.
- After the wound has healed, a custom-made crown is fastened to the implant via an abutment.
Recovery
-
Initial Healing:
Expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days. Soft foods are recommended.
-
Long-term Care:
Keep your mouth clean to avoid getting infections near the implant. Frequent dental checkups are necessary.
Instruments Used
- Implant Drills
- Torque Wrench
- Implant Abutment Drivers
3. Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a procedure employed to preserve a tooth that is impossible to restore to normal because of the severity of the infection or an injury it has received.
It covers pulling the pulp from the tooth because it is infected, then rinsing the area, and finally packing it so it will not cause more infection.
When Is It Necessary?
- Deep Tooth Decay
- Cracked or Broken Tooth
- Severe Pain
Procedure
- Use local anesthesia to numb the tooth
- Gently use a dental drill to open tooth enamel into the pulp chamber/root canals to extract the infected tissue.
- Filled canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha
- A crown is usually put above the treated tooth to enhance its strength and usability.
Recovery
-
Eating
Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until it is fully restored.
-
Discomfort:
Normal mild pain shall occur for a few days, and ordinary painkillers can ease the situation.
-
Follow-Up
Regular dental visits ensure the tooth remains healthy.
Instruments Used
- Endodontic Files
- Irrigation Syringes
- Gutta-Percha Points
4. Wisdom Tooth Removal
It is terrifying to hear that one of your teeth needs removal, even if it is for good.
As removal demands surgery, it causes pain, requires avoidance of food for some days, and restricts daily activities.
One of these teeth removal is wisdom tooth extraction, especially when third molars cause problems.
These teeth can become impacted, leading to pain, infection, and other dental issues.
When Is It Necessary?
- Impacted Teeth
- Infection or Cysts
- Crowding
Procedure
- The surgical area is numb by the usage of local anesthesia.
- For the impacted tooth, the incision is required to reach the tooth surgical area in the gum.
- The tooth may be removed whole or in pieces, depending on its position.
- The incision is stitched up to promote healing.
Recovery
-
Swelling and Bruising
These are common and can be managed with ice packs.
-
Diet
Stick to soft foods and avoid using a straw to prevent dry sockets.
-
Pain Management
Painkillers and a gentle oral hygiene routine help with recovery.
Instruments Used
- Scalpel
- Surgical handpiece
- Bone file
5. Crown Lengthening
It is a detailed yet one of the common dental surgeries to expose a tooth's structure clearly.
Crown lengthening requires different types of mouth surgery, and its prime aim is to prepare a tooth for a crown or improve the appearance of a smile.
When Is It Necessary?
- Restorative Needs
- Cosmetic Reasons
- Tooth Decay Below the Gum Line
Procedure
- Local anesthesia is used for surgical site numbness
- Involve removal of gum and sometimes bone tissue to make the tooth structure more visible.
- After that, the exposed tooth and surrounding gums are reshaped to create a natural look.
- Stitches may be placed, and a protective bandage is applied to aid healing.
Recovery
-
Discomfort
Mild discomfort is common and can be managed with painkillers.
-
Diet
Soft foods are recommended during the initial healing period.
-
Oral Hygiene
Careful brushing and mouth rinsing are necessary to keep the surgical site clean.
Common Dentistry Instruments Used
- Laser or Scalpel
- Bone File
- Surgical Scissors
6. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, addresses misaligned jaws.
It is painful but can drastically improve chewing, speaking, and even breathing.
When Is It Necessary?
- Jaw Misalignment
- Sleep Apnea
- Facial Imbalance
Procedure
- The surgeon will work with an orthodontist to plan the surgery. Braces may be used before and after the surgery.
- The procedure involves making cuts in the jawbones, moving them into the correct position, and securing them with plates and screws.
- A liquid diet is necessary for the first few days. Swelling and discomfort are common but manageable.
Recovery
-
Initial Healing
The first few weeks require a soft or liquid diet. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor healing.
-
Long-Term Care
Braces may be needed post-surgery to ensure teeth align properly with the new jaw position.
Instruments Used
- Osteotomes
- Bone Saws
- Plates and Screws
7. Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery addresses severe gum disease, helping to save teeth and restore gum health.
When Is It Necessary?
- Advanced Gum Disease
- Gum Recession
- Deep Pockets
Procedure
- The gums are lifted back to remove tartar and bacteria. The gums are then sutured in place to heal.
- In cases of significant bone loss, grafts may be used to regenerate bone tissue.
- A special membrane is placed to encourage bone and gum tissue growth.
Recovery
-
Initial Care
Avoid brushing the surgical site for a few days. Rinse with prescribed mouthwash.
-
Diet
Soft foods are recommended. Avoid smoking to promote healing.
-
Follow-Up
Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the healing process and prevent further gum issues.
Instruments Used
- Scalers and Curettes
- Surgical Scissors
- Sutures
Summing Up!
Understanding common dental surgeries can significantly ease anxiety.
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a simple tooth extraction can lead to a smoother recovery.
Always consult your dentist to determine the best action for your specific needs.
At GerDentUSA, we aim to deliver quality dental instruments to clinics to improve their practice models and service delivery.
We ensure practices get the best value on their investment through the quality surgical instruments we offer and our attractive prices.
FAQs
What is the most common dental surgery?
The most common dental surgery is tooth extraction. It's frequently performed for reasons like:
- Severe decay
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Or to prepare for orthodontic treatment
What is the duration of recovery following dental surgery?
Recuperation periods differ in different cases and surgeries.
Simple operations like extractions might need many days to a week.
After detailed procedures, such as orthognathic surgery, recovery might take several weeks to many months.
Are all common dental surgeries painful in nature?
Yes, surgeries are painful to some extent, but anesthesia reduces discomfort throughout the treatment.
However, it may be controlled with prescription medications and appropriate follow-up.
A more seamless recovery is guaranteed if you follow your dentist's advice.
