There are several examples of oral surgeries that are carried out every now and then in a dental office. They include, tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, periodontal surgery, cleft palate and lip repair and corrective jaw surgery.
Let’s look at these procedures individually. It is good to consult an oral surgeon to know which one works for you in terms of their expertise and the cost of the procedure.
Minor Oral Surgery Examples: Description
Tooth Extraction
This is one of the most common procedures to be carried out in a dental visit. Extractions are done on severely damaged teeth as a result of tooth decay, in preparation for other dental treatments such as orthodontic treatment, impacted third molars, and in cases of delayed shedding of baby teeth.
Most dentists prefer to save the natural tooth and restore it to its appearance and functions. That said, some extractions are necessary to preserve your overall oral health.
Tooth replacement may be necessary after some extractions.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is done in patients who have experienced extensive jawbone loss. It restores bone volume and density in preparation for implant placement.
Bone loss occurs gradually after tooth loss. It occurs because the bone that was supporting the tooth has lost its function and it, therefore, wears out.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace lost teeth. A screw made of titanium is placed inside the bone then an abutment is placed on top of the screw to support a crown or bridge.
Dental implants prevent bone loss and are permanent. They transfer the forces used in chewing to the bone, thereby preventing bone loss.
Bone grafting is done on jaws if there is extensive bone loss to create enough bone density to support the implant.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
There are different types of corrective jaw surgeries that aim to address different conditions. They fix a variety of minor and major dental issues e.g. misalignment and temporomandibular joint issues.
Constructive jaw surgery can also be used for cosmetic reasons, to change your facial features.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Surgery
Cleft lip and/ or cleft palate results when disturbances occur during the development of facial structures of the fetus in the womb. The baby is born with an opening in the roof of the mouth or across the lips. Oral maxillofacial surgeons perform the surgery to restore normal functions of the oral cavity and for proper speech development.
The repair can involve a series of surgeries depending on the amount of tissue that is affected. Therefore, the cost is different from patient to patient.
Periodontal Surgery
The periodontium supports the teeth and is responsible for maintaining teeth position. It is made up of the gums and bone. Severe damage to these structures can necessitate periodontal surgery.
The surgery includes treatments such as gum grafting, bone grafting, crown lengthening and gum pocket reduction.
The choice and cost of the treatment will depend on which treatment option works for your case and the extent of your problem.
