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Oral Surgery | An Introduction

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Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and treating conditions, diseases, and disorders affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, and face. While it is a relatively new field of dentistry, oral surgery is one of the most common dental procedures performed.

Are There Different Types of Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is divided into two main categories: elective and non-elective. Elective oral surgery is surgery that is not medically necessary but is instead performed for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Non-elective oral surgery is surgery that is performed to treat a condition or disease that is impacting the function of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, or face.

What Are Some Common Oral Surgery Procedures?

There are a wide variety of oral surgery procedures that can be performed for both cosmetic and non-cosmetic reasons. Some of the most common oral surgery procedures include:

  • Tooth extractions. This is one of the most common oral surgery procedures performed. Tooth extractions can be performed for a variety of reasons, including preparing for orthodontic treatment, removing impacted wisdom teeth, or removing a tooth that has been damaged beyond repair.
  • Dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as replacements for missing teeth. Once the implant has healed and bonded with the jawbone, an artificial tooth, called a crown, is attached. Dental implants are a successful and effective method for tooth replacement.
  • Bone grafting. Bone grafting is a type of oral surgery that is performed to rebuild bones in the mouth that have been damaged or lost due to injury or disease. Bone grafting can also be used to build up bones in preparation for dental implants.
  • Jaw realignment. The National Institutes of Health report that "20% of the population have deviations from the ideal bite relationship." In other words, a lot of people have underbites and overbites. Jaw realignment surgery is performed to correct conditions affecting this alignment. It can also be performed to correct breathing problems.

What Are the Benefits of Oral Surgery?

There are many benefits that can be achieved through oral surgery. These benefits can include the following:

  • Improved oral health
  • Revised appearance
  • Increased ability to chew and speak
  • Improved breathing
  • Boost in self-confidence

If you are considering oral surgery, be sure to consult with an oral surgeon to discuss your treatment options and ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. 


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