What Is Oral Surgery and How Can It Help You?

What Is Oral Surgery and How Can It Help You?

If you’re experiencing dental issues that require surgical intervention, then consulting with a reputable oral surgeon is the first step to receiving the expert care that your mouth needs. Whilst minor oral surgery, such as removing impacted teeth or performing simple extractions, can often be done in the dentist's office with local anaesthesia, more extensive oral surgeries, like jaw realignment or dental implants, will require the expertise of oral surgeons. So, if you are curious about dental surgery and how it can benefit you, explore our guide to restoring and maintaining a healthy smile through a variety of procedures at our specialist Surrey practice.

What is Oral Surgery?

This term refers to a specialised field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions in the mouth, jaws, and facial regions that require surgical intervention. It encompasses a wide range of procedures aimed at improving, restoring, or maintaining oral health and function, as well as alleviating pain and enhancing the overall appearance of the face and smile. Whilst most people may feel overwhelmed by the term ‘surgery’, the majority of the processes are much more common and simple than many realise and are necessary to address a range of common dental conditions, including:

1. Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for a tooth to fully emerge or grow into its proper position. This often happens with wisdom teeth, but it can also occur with other teeth, and surgery is a quick and effective way to remove these teeth before they can cause pain, infections, and other dental issues for the surrounding teeth.

2. Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are another common procedure that many patients may not realise falls under the umbrella of surgery. Sometimes, a tooth may be too damaged or decayed to be saved by standard dental procedures and must be completely extracted, or may need to be removed due to overcrowding or cases of severe gum disease.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. This common procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial tooth root and provides a strong foundation for a dental crown or bridge, restoring both the function and appearance of a missing tooth. For a successful treatment, this procedure must be carried out by an experienced oral surgeon, to ensure successful implantation and long-term integration with the jawbone.

4. Jaw Realignment

Misalignment of the jaws, also known as malocclusion, can lead to various dental and facial issues, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. Teeth realignment is a simple procedure that can be accomplished by using aligners or braces, but jaw realignment includes repositioning the jaws and correcting the bite, to significantly improve both the function and aesthetics of the face and jaw.

5. Oral Infections and Pathologies

Surgery is often required to treat infections, cysts, tumours, and other pathological conditions that affect the oral and facial regions. Treating these conditions is a particularly sensitive and specialist area of dentistry, and expert diagnosis and treatment is needed to remove these abnormal growths and restore oral health.

Benefits of Specialist Dental Surgery

So, now that you know what treatments count as surgical procedures, it’s time to explore the benefits of undergoing surgery for dental issues.

Firstly, as is the case with undergoing any specialist procedure, surgery provides patients with access to a wide range of advanced procedures that can address complex dental and facial conditions. Whether it's reconstructive surgery, dental implant placement, or corrective jaw surgery, the field of dental surgery contains solutions and treatments for numerous complex issues that many patients may not have considered.

Once you and your regular dentist have decided that surgery is the best course of action for you, our reliable and experienced team of oral surgeons have the extensive training and specialist experience needed to deliver optimal results and improve your overall oral health and aesthetics. Our expert team performs complex procedures on a regular basis, ensuring the highest level of precision, safety, and success across all procedures, and enabling them to discuss your requirements and concerns in detail.

Finally, at Marsh House Specialist Dentists, our specialist oral surgeons work closely with other dental professionals, such as orthodontists and general practitioners, to provide comprehensive treatment plans for all our patients. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every one of our patients receive the most appropriate and coordinated care for their specific needs, and that they are supported with the long-term advice and care that they need once the treatment is finished.

Book a Consultation with Marsh House Specialist Dentists

Whether you require a simple tooth extraction or a complex jaw realignment, we are here to ensure that you receive the expert care that you need. Our specialist practitioners are on-hand to restore your teeth and improve your oral health, so contact our practice today to discuss your oral surgery needs and take the first step towards achieving a healthy and beautiful smile.