Have you ever wondered: Do I need oral surgery? Oral surgery is a specialized field that addresses various conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, and facial regions. While many dental issues can be resolved with non-invasive treatments, there are cases where surgical intervention becomes necessary.
If you’ve ever contemplated the question, “Do I need oral surgery?”, then it’s time to consult with the team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta. Our team helps patients living in Atlanta, GA, and Dunwoody, GA, assess their oral well-being, making conservative recommendations that can make a meaningful impact on their oral health and function. Get started with our team by calling (404) 351-5335 now.
Today, we answer this common patient question: Do I need oral surgery? Here, our Atlanta oral surgeons explore the conditions that may require oral surgery, the different types of oral surgery procedures available, and what patients can expect during and after these interventions.
Conditions Necessitating Oral Surgery
There is a wide array of conditions that may require oral surgery, including:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common reasons for surgical intervention is the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. When these third molars do not have enough space to emerge properly, they can cause pain and swelling, even leading to infection. Oral surgeons perform extractions to alleviate these issues.
Dental Implants
Patients with missing teeth can permanently replace them with the help of dental implants. These artificial tooth roots require a surgical procedure to insert them into the jawbone. This helps restore functionality and aesthetics. Oral surgeons work closely with restorative dentists to ensure the success of these procedures.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Individuals with misaligned jaws may require corrective jaw procedures (often called orthognathic surgery) to improve their bite, speech, and facial symmetry. This procedure can address issues such as overbites, underbites, and facial disproportion, enhancing both function and appearance.
Jawbone Reshaping (Orofacial Surgery)
In some cases, patients may elect to reshape their jawbones through orofacial surgery. This procedure addresses both cosmetic and functional issues, helping to correct asymmetry, enhance facial contours, or improve the fit of dentures.
Facial Trauma and Reconstruction
Oral surgeons play a crucial role in treating facial injuries resulting from accidents or trauma. These procedures may involve repairing fractured bones, addressing soft tissue injuries, and reconstructing facial features to restore both function and aesthetics.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping sounds. In some cases, conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications may be sufficient. However, severe cases may require oral surgery to address issues within the joint or surrounding structures.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent problem, with almost one billion people worldwide living with the condition. OSA occurs while sleeping, and it is marked by interrupted breathing, leading to low blood-oxygen levels and systemic health issues. In many cases, patients can manage the condition with the help of positive airway pressure machines, like CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Cleft Lip and Palate
These conditions occur in utero while a baby is still developing. The condition leads to incomplete formation of the oral and nasal structures. This can lead to difficulties eating and speaking if left untreated.
Gum Recession
Gum tissue is largely responsible for keeping our teeth secure and stationary. However, receding gums can pose a serious threat to tooth stability, potentially leading to tooth loss. Patients living with severe gum recession may require a surgical procedure to repair and replace gingival tissue.
Types of Oral Surgery Procedures
When it comes to addressing oral and maxillofacial issues, surgery is often a last resort. Nonetheless, there are plenty of surgical options to keep patients’ smiles healthy, beautiful, and functional, such as:
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Tooth extractions, particularly wisdom teeth removal, are common oral surgery procedures. Oral surgeons use their expertise to ensure minimal discomfort during the extraction process, often using local anesthesia or sedation.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves placing titanium posts into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. Oral surgeons carefully assess the patient's jaw structure and coordinate with prosthodontists or restorative dentists to create a personalized treatment plan.
Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery aims to address misalignments in the jaw and improve overall function. The procedure may involve repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to achieve a balanced bite and facial appearance.
Jawbone Reshaping
Oral surgeons may reshape the jawbone using techniques like osteotomy to achieve the desired cosmetic or functional outcome. This can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for facial rejuvenation or to address issues like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Facial Trauma Surgery
Oral surgeons are trained to manage and reconstruct facial injuries resulting from accidents or trauma. This may include repairing fractured bones, suturing soft tissues, and restoring the natural contours of the face.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
For individuals suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea, oral surgery may be necessary. Procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement (GA) can help alleviate airway blockages and improve respiration during sleep.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Oral surgeons often play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team involved in cleft lip and palate repair. Surgical interventions are necessary to correct these congenital conditions, ensuring proper function of the affected areas and enhancing the individual's quality of life.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure to address significant gum damage, like recession. During the procedure, oral surgeons graft tissue from the patient's palate or a donor source onto the receded areas, promoting gum tissue regeneration.
Post-Operative Care
Following oral surgery, patients receive detailed post-operative care instructions from their surgical team. This typically includes guidelines on managing pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Pain Management
Oral surgeons advise patients to keep pain and discomfort under control to ensure proper healing. Patients can accomplish this through prescription painkillers or store-bought pain medicines (like ibuprofen). Always take these medications as directed and report any unusual pain or swelling to your healthcare provider.
Dietary Restrictions
Depending on the type of oral surgery performed, patients need to transition to a soft or liquid diet to avoid placing excessive pressure on the treated areas. This allows for proper healing without compromising the surgical site.
Follow-up Appointments
Scheduled follow-up appointments may seem unnecessary, but even if you are healing well, they are essential for addressing any concerns that may arise. During these appointments, oral surgeons may remove sutures, take X-rays, and assess your overall recovery.
Do I need oral surgery? Ask our Atlanta oral surgeons today!
Understanding the conditions that may necessitate oral surgery, the types of procedures available, and the post-operative care involved can help individuals make informed decisions about their oral health. If you suspect you may need oral surgery, consult with the team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta. You can contact Drs. Andrew Aiken and Drew Shessel online or at (404) 351-5335.
