Oral surgery may sound intimidating, but when it comes to the question of ‘what is oral and maxillofacial surgery,’ there is a long list of familiar answers and common treatments that fall under this umbrella.
Your Cupertino oral surgery specialist can provide insight and guidance on your recommended treatments. In addition, our dental experts can help clarify the details of what to expect when it comes to common reasons for a trip to your dentist’s office, like dental implants and oral surgery for a wide range of health issues.
In the meantime, here is a closer look at the broad definition of oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery and what you can expect when your Cupertino oral surgery provider recommends a surgical treatment.
What is Oral Surgery?
In its simplest terms, oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgical procedure that focuses on any reconstructive or treatment-oriented surgery of the face, mouth, and/or jaws. Oral surgery specializes specifically in procedures performed in or around the mouth and jawline. Therefore, regardless of the specific procedure, it requires a highly trained team of dental specialists.
What are Some Common Conditions and Problems Addressed through Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is one of the most common treatments at the dentist’s office. These dental treatments include the following.
Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they do not have enough space to grow or cause pain and infection. In addition, wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure that removes one or more wisdom teeth to alleviate this oral health issue.
Tooth extractions
Tooth extractions are recommended when a patient has one or more severely damaged or decaying teeth. A tooth extraction can be performed to protect the gum line from infection, treat gum disease, or eliminate pain or infection from trauma or injury.
Dental bone grafts
Dental bone grafts are designed to increase the volume and density of your jawbone. This surgical procedure involves transplanting bone material into the jawbone, and it restores bone loss and/or supports additional procedures, like dental implants.
Gum grafts
Similar to bone grafts, gum grafts are recommended to cover exposed tooth roots that are caused by gum recession. Furthermore, gum recession occurs when the gums slowly pull away from the teeth, exposing the bone and root surfaces below. Gum grafts improve appearance, eliminate pain and discomfort caused by exposed roots, and protect teeth from decay by placing small pieces of healthy gum tissue on exposed areas.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a lifelong solution for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth while restoring a beautiful natural smile. The dental implant procedure entails creating a permanent foundation for a new artificial tooth or multiple teeth, which will look, act, and function like normal, healthy teeth.
Periodontal surgery
Periodontal surgery refers to a surgical procedure that is designed to treat more advanced gum disease. Therefore, periodontal surgery is multi-faceted and can include different steps and treatments, such as gum grafting, pocket reduction surgery, crown lengthening surgery, and/or bone regeneration surgery.
Is a Root Canal Oral Surgery?
A root canal is one of the most common procedures at the dentist’s office. Furthermore, it is technically considered a surgical procedure because it requires a dentist to remove inflamed or infected pulp. However, many professionals do not consider a root canal as an in-depth oral surgery procedure.
The root canal procedure generally includes the following steps.
- A dental specialist will take X-rays and/or conduct advanced imaging to assess the damage, and the treatment required.
- Your dental specialist will then numb the area around the mouth where the root canal is needed with a local anesthetic. A rubber sheet or coating will also be placed over the tooth to keep it dry and safe during the procedure.
- Then, the dental specialist will use a tiny drill to open the affected tooth and access to remove the damaged pulp.
- Once all the damaged pulp has been removed, your dental specialist will clean and disinfect the area with specialized solutions to ensure there are no lingering issues.
- Finally, your endodontist will fill the canal where the pulp was removed with a permanent material and seal the tooth with a filling or crown.
Why Oral Surgery for Dental Implants is the Best Solution for Missing Teeth
Dental implants are another standard surgical procedure that can have permanent and life-changing results for patients with damaged and missing teeth. The procedure is often conducted in two visits to the oral surgeon.
- On your first visit, your oral surgeon will place titanium posts into your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots and the foundations for your new, permanent teeth. You’ll also be given temporary but natural-looking implants to utilize for a few weeks as your mouth heals and the implant posts naturally fuse with your jawbone.
- On your second visit, your oral surgeon will install your new and permanent dental implants, which are custom-created to look and function like your healthy teeth.
Though a dental implant procedure may sound complex, it’s a relatively stress-free and pain-free procedure with a lifetime of positive results.
What is the Difference Between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
While oral and maxillofacial surgery are often used interchangeably, there are a couple of key distinctions.
- Oral Surgery focuses on the mouth, teeth, gums, and/or jaw – along with all the interconnected areas inside your mouth. Examples of oral surgery include dental implants, bone grafting, or corrective jaw surgery.
- Maxillofacial surgery may include oral surgery procedures as an overall treatment plan. However, it also includes face and even skull-related health issues. Examples of maxillofacial surgical procedures include treatments for head or neck cancer, facial deformities, or cleft lip and palate issues.
Find the Best Oral Surgeon in Cupertino at Pannu Dental Group
Even the most common oral surgery procedures require the utmost care, experience, education, and expertise. Therefore, don’t just conduct an online search for “oral surgery dental implants near me” and casually filter through the results.
Instead, start your journey to better oral health with a consultation with the top-rated experts at Pannu Dental Group.
We have decades of experience in all dental treatments and surgical procedures. With our expert dentists, you can have peace of mind from start to finish, regardless of your recommended treatment or oral surgical procedure.
Expert Oral Surgery in Cupertino – Precision Care for a Healthier Smile
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Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.