Oral Surgery
Restoring function and aesthetics: The essentials of oral surgery
At Smile Mantra, oral surgery is a specialized area of dentistry dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, and facial structures. From routine extractions to more complex surgical procedures, each treatment is carefully customized to address your unique oral health needs.
Extractions
Tooth Extractions involve the removal of teeth that are damaged, decayed, or causing other oral health issues.
- Simple Extractions: Performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, typically under local anesthesia.
- Surgical Extractions: Required for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth or teeth broken at the gum line. This procedure may involve cutting into the gum and removing bone.
Benefits:
- Relief from pain and infection.
- Prevents the spread of decay or disease to other teeth.
- Facilitates orthodontic treatment or the placement of dentures.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction/Impaction
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars) are the last set of molars to develop, often leading to impaction due to a lack of space in the mouth.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Teeth that do not fully erupt or align properly, which can lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
- Procedure: Involves surgical removal of the impacted tooth, often under local or general anesthesia.
Benefits:
- Prevents overcrowding and misalignment of teeth.
- Reduces the risk of cysts, infections, and decay in the wisdom tooth area.
- Alleviates pain and discomfort caused by impacted teeth.
Minor Surgical Procedures
Minor Surgical Procedures in oral surgery include a range of interventions that are typically performed on an outpatient basis.
- Examples:
- Biopsies: Removal of tissue for examination to diagnose conditions like oral cancer.
- Frenectomy: Removal of the frenulum, the small fold of tissue under the tongue or upper lip, to improve mobility or function.
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive with quick recovery.
- Diagnostic procedures like biopsies can detect serious conditions early.
Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tip (apex) of a tooth’s root, along with the infected tissue, typically following a failed root canal treatment.
- Procedure: The surgeon accesses the root through the gum tissue, removes the infected tip, and seals the root canal.
- Benefits:
- Preserves the natural tooth.
- Eliminates infection and prevents it from spreading.
- Can relieve pain associated with persistent infections.
Cyst Removal
Cyst Removal involves the excision of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth.
- Types:
- Odontogenic Cysts: Originating from the tissues that form teeth.
- Non-Odontogenic Cysts: Formed from other tissues in the mouth or jaw.
- Procedure: Surgical removal, often combined with bone grafting if the cyst has caused bone loss.
Benefits:
- Prevents the cyst from growing and causing further damage.
- Reduces the risk of infection or transformation into a tumor.
Mucocele Removal
Mucocele is a benign, mucus-filled cyst that forms on the lip or inside the mouth, often due to blocked salivary glands.
- Procedure: Surgical removal of the cyst, usually a quick and simple procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Benefits:
- Restores normal appearance and function of the affected area.
- Prevents recurrence of the cyst.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible materials, surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth.
- Procedure:
- Implant Placement: The implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone over several months.
- Abutment and Crown: Once integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant, followed by the placement of a crown.
Benefits:
- Provides a durable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
- Maintains jawbone density by stimulating bone growth.
- Offers improved aesthetics and function compared to other tooth replacement options.
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia is used in oral surgery to render the patient completely unconscious during the procedure.
- Applications: Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, such as multiple extractions, implant placement, or jaw surgery.
- Safety: Administered by a qualified anesthesiologist or oral surgeon, with continuous monitoring throughout the procedure.
Benefits:
- Ensures patient comfort during extensive or invasive procedures.
- Allows for the safe completion of complex surgeries that might be intolerable under local anesthesia.
Fracture Fixation
Fracture Fixation involves the surgical repair of fractures in the jawbone or facial bones, often resulting from trauma.
- Procedure: May involve the use of plates, screws, or wires to stabilize the bone while it heals.
- Benefits:
- Restores normal function and appearance.
- Prevents long-term complications such as misalignment or improper healing.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery corrects jaw and facial bone irregularities to improve function, alignment, and appearance.
- Applications:
- Correcting congenital jaw deformities.
- Addressing issues related to severe malocclusion (misaligned bite).
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw structure.
- Procedure: Involves repositioning the jawbones to achieve a balanced, functional alignment.
Benefits:
- Improves bite and chewing function.
- Enhances facial aesthetics and symmetry.
- Alleviates conditions like TMJ disorders or sleep apnea.
Lip Surgery
Lip Surgery can address both cosmetic and functional issues involving the lips.
- Types:
- Lip Reduction or Augmentation: Adjusting the size or shape of the lips.
- Cleft Lip Repair: Correcting congenital defects.
- Lip Reconstruction: Following trauma or tumor removal.
Benefits:
- Enhances facial aesthetics and balance.
- Improves function, such as speech or eating, especially in cases of congenital defects.
Sedative Dentistry
Sedative Dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients relax during dental procedures.
- Types:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Mild sedation inhaled through a mask.
- Oral Sedation: Taken in pill form, producing a moderate level of sedation.
- IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, offering deeper sedation.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and fear in patients who are apprehensive about dental treatment.
- Makes it easier to perform extensive or multiple procedures in a single visit.
- Ensures a comfortable experience, particularly for those with dental phobia.