Oral Surgery 101
Whether you’re interested in oral surgery for cosmetic purposes or for treating conditions such as periodontitis, you’ll find plenty of helpful information here. You’ll also find information about procedures for removing wisdom teeth and dealing with a number of common oral health issues.
Treatments for periodontitis
Using the right treatments for periodontitis after oral surgery can help you keep your teeth. Periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys the bone and tissue surrounding your teeth. It is caused by bacterial plaque, which clings to your teeth and gums. Your body’s immune system reacts to the bacteria, causing inflammation, bone loss, and tooth loss.
The first step in treating periodontitis is to clean your teeth and gums. Your periodontist may recommend professional cleanings and other treatments to rebuild your periodontal tissues.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, removes plaque and irritants from beneath your gums. The procedure is performed using hand or ultrasonic instruments.
Depending on the severity of your disease, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help fight the infection. Some medications can be placed under your gumline, while others may be taken orally. These medications may help to reduce inflammation.
If your periodontitis is more serious, your periodontist may recommend surgery. This treatment may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease. If you are in need of periodontal surgery, your dentist will need to file a request for statutory health insurance coverage.
Bone and tissue grafting is another treatment option. This procedure involves using a special biocompatible fabric between your existing bone and teeth. Your periodontist may use synthetic bone, donated bone, or even pieces of your own bone to build new bone.
The goal of gum treatment is to rebuild the tissue surrounding your teeth and prevent further bone loss. To achieve this, your periodontist may use a process known as guided tissue regeneration. During this treatment, special proteins called enamel matrix proteins are applied to the area where your bone has been damaged.
The periodontist may also recommend using a light-sensitive dye that is exposed to a laser beam. This produces aggressive oxygen that helps to destroy bacteria.
In the treatment of severe periodontitis, antibiotic tablets may be used to fight the infection. These medications are effective at reducing inflammation and can help to prevent tooth loss. The use of antibiotics can also help to keep your gums from getting inflamed.
Procedures to remove wisdom teeth
Choosing a dental office to remove your wisdom teeth is an important decision. The office staff will provide you with the information you need to make your decision. Typically, your dentist will offer various types of anesthesia.
You may be given a local anesthetic to reduce pain after the operation. An intravenous line may also be placed in your arm to provide you with a general anesthetic. This type of anesthesia makes you drowsy and reduces your awareness during the procedure.
A digital x-ray is a useful tool to help your dentist determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted. If so, you may need to undergo additional procedures.
A coronectomy is a type of surgical procedure that involves removing the upper portion of a wisdom tooth. This procedure reduces the risk of nerve damage. However, it may take longer to heal.
A basic extraction is a less invasive procedure that is often used for wisdom teeth that are fully erupted. It involves numbing the mouth and cutting the gums and teeth into pieces.
The most important thing to know about the surgery is that it should take about 45 minutes. This is a good amount of time to allow you to rest. After the operation, you will need to take a few days off work.
You can expect to bleed at the site of the operation. Usually, it stops quickly. If you cannot stop it, contact the office of the oral surgeon.
You may experience a fever and lose teeth after the surgery. This may be a sign of infection. You may also experience facial swelling. You can apply ice to the swelling for 20 minutes. You may also need to take a pain reliever for a day or two.
You should also follow the post-operative directions carefully. If you do not take the appropriate precautions, you may end up with a dry socket. This can lead to a painful infection. You may also need antibiotics. You should also rinse your mouth with a medicated mouthwash.
If you have questions about any aspect of the procedure, be sure to consult with your dentist.
Treatments for jaw, facial bone and facial soft tissue problems
Various treatments for jaw, facial bone and facial soft tissue problems are available. These treatments can reduce pain and help restore a person’s normal facial bone and soft tissue function. The primary goal is to minimize the long-term impact of the procedure on the patient’s appearance.
Soft tissue injuries can be caused by blunt force, such as a car accident or sports injury. They can also be caused by infection, such as an abscess. They can affect the cheek, nose, eye socket, and lower jaw.
Facial trauma can cause fractures in the facial bones. These fractures are similar to body fractures, which are treated by a surgical team. The surgical team members are trained and experienced in reconstructive surgery. The goal is to restore normal facial bone function and minimize the impact on the patient’s appearance.
Facial trauma is caused by falls, blunt force, work-related injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. Often, the damage is severe, causing injuries to the bones and soft tissue of the face. This can cause deep lacerations or facial fractures.
Dental specialists can treat supporting bone fractures. In some cases, patients need reconstructive surgery after a facial fracture.
Treatments for jaw, facial bone and facial soft tissue disorders include narcotic analgesics, occlusal appliances, and massage exercises. They can also help control the clenching of the jaw muscles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also available.
Patients can also use ice packs, heat packs, and moist heat to reduce pain and relax overactive muscles. They can be applied to the face several times a day.
Facial fractures can be treated with rigid fixation, which involves placing small plates and screws at the site of the fracture. Surgical techniques include suturing, which is used to repair soft tissue injuries.
In addition, a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon is trained to repair facial lacerations. They are also trained to reconstruct facial fractures. Using these techniques, the surgeon can restore the patient’s pre-injury appearance.
A healthcare provider may conduct a series of tests to diagnose facial disorders. They base their diagnosis on the patient’s symptoms and the type of pain they experience.
Complications of oral surgery
During oral surgery, many complications can occur, including infection and bleeding. Proper patient care and management can minimize the risk of these complications and improve the results of the surgery.
The most common complication of oral surgery is bleeding. This complication can occur during the surgery and afterward. In some cases, it can be caused by the use of a foreign object such as a tooth inserted into the gum. In severe cases, it may require surgical intervention.
Some other common complications of oral surgery include pain, swelling, and infection. A thorough preoperative assessment can help to avoid these complications. Using the proper surgical technique can also help to minimize the risk of these complications.
Oral surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, but this is not always necessary. There are several options for sedation, including oral medications and IV sedation. If general anesthesia is used, the risk of brain damage and death is increased. The length of oral surgery varies based on the type of surgery and the number of teeth treated. This procedure typically takes between one and two hours.
Postoperative swelling can occur as a result of persistent inflammation. This inflammation increases capillary permeability and causes cellular edema. It is very important to follow postoperative guidelines and to take prescribed medications. This complication is the most common oral surgery complication and usually resolves itself after a few days.
Postoperative infection is also a common complication of oral surgery. Infection can occur in the bloodstream and may have serious consequences. The risk of infection may increase if there are other medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. Patients should avoid consuming chunky foods.
Another common complication of oral surgery is a dry socket. This occurs when the blood clotting process is disrupted. In most cases, patients are able to return to work within one to three days. However, recovery times vary from person to person. If you do experience a dry socket, your dentist can treat it.
The most important part of oral surgery is the preoperative assessment. A thorough preoperative assessment will help to prevent most surgical complications.
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