Oral surgery is the term used to collectively describe the different types of surgeries performed on a person's teeth, gums, and the jawbones. They are performed by a trained dentist and with the usage of local anesthesia to numb the oral tissues. Some of the common oral surgeries and their purposes are as follows:
It is the most widely performed dental surgery. When the teeth are not cleaned regularly, bacteria will start to accumulate on their surface. Over time, this would turn into plaque and tartar, which is very difficult to get rid of. Further, it leads to cavities and tooth decay. The pulp present in the root canal of a tooth will be infected when the cavity progresses on to the deeper layers of the tooth. Root canal surgery involves making a hole into the infected tooth and removing the infected pulp from the root canal. The walls of the canal are then cleaned and disinfected. The tooth will be restored with a filling material and a dental crown.
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Tooth extraction surgery is mainly carried out when a person suffers from cavities, external trauma, or partially broken teeth. It is a pretty straightforward process. The patient is given local anesthesia to the gums to eliminate the pain felt during the process. Post-surgery discomfort and swelling are common, which will eventually reduce.
Dental implants are artificial teeth used as a replacement for one's natural teeth. Dental implant surgery involves administering local sedatives and making a small hole in the jawbone to place the implant. The metal base of the implant is then inserted into the hole, and the crown is attached to it. Dental implants are known to be very efficient and long-lasting. They look and function exactly like natural teeth, which is why they are highly sought-after.
Wisdom teeth are usually the last set of teeth to appear. Sometimes, they don't emerge as expected and get stuck under the gums. This condition can be very painful and would cause swollen gums and cheeks. Wisdom tooth surgery is performed to remove the wisdom tooth entirely from its socket.
Most dental surgeries make use of local anesthesia to numb the gums. Maintaining proper teeth and gum health is essential to avoid any infections.
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