Types of Oral Surgeries

Dental problems take many different shapes and forms. There are some situations where only surgical intervention can alleviate the problems that you are experiencing and restore your teeth and mouth to full health. Some types of oral surgery are more common than others, and below are some of the types of oral surgeries that we perform the most at our dental offices here in Bedford, TX.

 

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment may have a reputation for being particularly unpleasant, but thanks to modern anesthetic and advanced tools and techniques, today root canal treatment is no more complex than any other dental treatment. Root canal treatment is recommended to repair and save a tooth where the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp will begin to die if it’s infected by bacteria, enabling the bacteria to multiply and spread. In many cases, the root canal is the only way to save that tooth.

The procedure itself involves removing the bacteria from the root canal system, which is done using a local anesthetic. Your dentist will remove the infected pulp and nerve in the root of the tooth and clean and shape in the inside of the root canals. It is important to be aware that a tooth can have more than one root, and it isn’t unheard of for a molar to have three or even four roots. Once the root canals are cleaned, they will be filled to seal the space. A crown is then placed onto the tooth to protect it and restore its function.   

 

Tooth Extraction

If a tooth is so badly damaged or decayed it is beyond saving, you will be recommended to have it extracted so that the problem cannot spread to nearby healthy teeth. Not all extractions are surgical, but if your dentist believes that the process may be complex, oral surgery may be needed. This could include if the tooth is impacted, if it is broken into multiple parts or if your dentist has another reason for thinking that the tooth may not come out easily or in one piece.

Extractions usually take place under local anesthetic, though it may be possible for you to have sedation if needed. You may also be given antibiotics to take afterward to help reduce your risk of infection.

 

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the most commonly extracted teeth. This is because they come through last and there is often not enough space to accommodate them. Wisdom teeth extractions are nearly always surgical as the teeth may be impacted, meaning that it may be necessary to cut away some bone and gum tissue to free them enough to remove them. Again, wisdom teeth are usually extracted using an only local anesthetic, but you may be offered sedation. In some circumstances, a general anesthetic may be deemed more appropriate.

 

Perio Surgery

Perio surgery is the name given to a surgical treatment designed to combat gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that live inside the mouth sticking to your teeth, irritating the gum tissue that can cause infection. Left untreated, gum disease can eventually destroy the gum and bone which support your teeth.

During periodontal surgery, which is carried out using a local anesthetic, incisions are made around the edge of the gum so that the tissue can be lifted away from the teeth. This enables your dentist to access the roots of the teeth so that more plaque can be removed from below the gum line. The tooth root will be smoothed so that it is easier for the gum to reattach to it, and in some instances, it may be necessary to remove or reshape some of the gum tissue. The incisions are closed using sutures which will be removed around 7-10 days later.

If you would like more information about any of the oral surgeries listed above, or if you are concerned about your teeth and would like to schedule an appointment to have them assessed, please contact our expert dental care team at Above & Beyond Dental in Bedford, TX today.