What is Oral Surgery in Dentistry?

‍Oral surgery is a field of dentistry that involves the surgical diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, jaws, mouth and surrounding oral and facial tissues. Depending on the condition, oral surgery may include procedures such as tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, treatment of oral cysts and certain forms of oral and facial trauma. Some procedures can be performed by a general dentist, while more complex cases may require referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Who Is This Article For?

This article is for:

• Patients who have been advised to undergo oral surgery
• People considering wisdom tooth removal
• Patients who need a complex tooth extraction
• People considering dental implants or bone grafting
• Patients with oral cysts or jaw-related conditions
• Anyone wondering when they need an oral surgeon

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

If your dentist recommends maxillofacial surgery. They are talking about a specialty of dentistry that relates to your face and jaws. It’s surgery that treats disease and injuries of the areas around your mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extra training and education beyond what’s expected for a dentist. Some get a medical degree (an MD) along with their oral surgery diplomas. They put in at least 4 years of training in a hospital-based surgical program alongside medical residents in many different specialties, including anesthesia.

That includes various types of IV sedation, including “twilight sleep” and general anesthesia, where you’re unconscious and can’t feel any pain. It can also include local anesthesia, where only a small area of your body is numbed for your procedure.An oral surgeon can help you out of several situations.

What is the job of an Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in more complex procedures. Their main role is to help people with dental issues that require more attention than a general dentist can provide. In the general population, the rate of tooth problems is around 30%. The military, this number jumps to around 80%. In addition to treating toothaches, oral surgeons may be called upon to perform a variety of procedures to assist with dental issues.

This includes removing teeth, treating cysts, and correcting jaw misalignment. Beyond treating oral issues, oral surgeons may also be called upon to treat oral and facial injuries. This includes treating lacerations, broken teeth, and other injuries. It also includes removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

Where can you find an Oral Surgeon?

You can find oral surgery in any dental office where the dentist is certified to perform more complex procedures. This can be in the general dentist’s office, a hospital, a hospital associated dental school, or a specialties-only private clinic. Look for the doctor specifically. See if you can track down a site for the hospital where the doctor works or the doctor’s office. 

What does an Oral Surgeon look during an examination?

The first step of an oral surgery examination would be to conduct an interview with the patient to get a basic medical history. The dentist will then look for swelling and inflammation, noting the presence of any obvious injuries. In the case of wisdom teeth extractions, the dentist will palpate the jaw and surrounding tissue.

The dentist will then take an x-ray or other imaging scan of the area to get a more detailed view of the problem. The dentist will then perform a diagnostic procedure to examine the teeth and gums. Looking for signs of infection or other problems. Next, the dentist will discuss treatment options with the patient.

Common Oral Surgery Procedures

1. Wisdom teeth removal: This is one of the most common procedures oral surgeons perform. It is estimated that one-quarter of people will have to have their wisdom teeth extracted at some point in their life. Most people have wisdom teeth removed during their late teens or early twenties.
2. Cyst and tumor removal: Oral surgeons can remove a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) from almost any area of the body. And oral surgery is often the only treatment necessary.
3. Oral and facial trauma repair: Oral surgeons can treat facial trauma such as broken teeth and cuts. As well as other oral injuries. They can also repair damaged gum tissue or other oral problems resulting from trauma.
4. Bone grafting: This is a specialised form of oral surgery that helps promote faster healing after dental implants are placed.
5. Implant placement: Oral surgeons can place dental implants.

Conclusion

Oral surgeons handle more complex cases that may require surgery, such as removal of teeth, cysts, and tumors. They can also treat facial trauma resulting from car accidents or sports injuries. Beyond this, oral surgeons can also place dental implants and do bone grafting to promote faster healing after dental procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral surgery in dentistry?

Oral surgery involves surgical procedures used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the teeth, mouth, jaws and related oral and facial structures.

What does an oral surgeon do?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon manages a range of surgical conditions involving the mouth, jaws and face, including complex extractions, wisdom teeth, implants, bone grafting, jaw surgery and certain oral lesions.

Is oral surgery painful?

Local anaesthesia is used for many oral surgical procedures to minimise pain during treatment. Some discomfort, swelling or tenderness may occur during recovery.

What is the most common oral surgery?

Wisdom tooth removal and tooth extraction are common oral surgical procedures, although the procedures performed depend on the patient’s needs and the clinician’s training.

How long does oral surgery take?

The duration varies significantly depending on the procedure and its complexity. A simple extraction may be relatively quick, while more complex surgery takes longer.

Do I need an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction?

Not necessarily. Many general dentists perform routine extractions. A referral may be recommended when an extraction is particularly complex or requires specialist surgical expertise.

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