Over the years of providing dental care, we’ve found that what constitutes “dental surgery” can vary widely depending on whom you ask. This is because there are quite a few Maryland endodontic treatment services that fall under the category of dental surgery, and some of them may not be what you might expect.
To aid in the understanding of the term “dental surgery,” we’ve created this guide to describe the varying types. This will also answer the question, “What is dental surgery?” and provide a list of reasons why you might need to opt for dental surgery in the first place.
If you’re in need of dental surgery, you may need an endodontic team with the knowledge, experience, and dedication to compassionate care needed to save a tooth. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their team of professionals are the exact endodontic team you will need. Call your dentist or contact us today to learn more.
What Is Dental Surgery?
Dental surgery, also referred to as oral surgery, is any kind of medical procedure that involves the modification of teeth, gums, and even the jaw bone. While it’s often performed for oral health purposes, dental surgery can also be strictly cosmetic, depending on the particular procedure.
Why Would You Need Dental Surgery?
There are a wide variety of reasons why you might require one of the many types of dental surgery. Below are some of the most common.
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Severe tooth decay
- Traumatic dental injury
- Tooth infection
- Issues with wisdom teeth
Your dentist will be able to help assess your oral health issues and refer you to a specialist should you need advanced dental care to address a concern. Contact them today to learn more.
The Different Types of Dental Surgery
There are many different dental surgery types that serve a wide variety of purposes. Below are some of the most common among them, along with some useful details about each.
Root Canal Therapy
When you have an infected tooth, perhaps the most common dental surgery option is a root canal. This procedure involves drilling into the affected tooth, cleaning out the infected dental pulp, disinfecting the various tiny inner tooth canals, and then refilling the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a surgical procedure that can replace a missing tooth with a natural-looking prosthetic that is fused to the jaw bone through a process called osseointegration. The fusion process allows for greater strength, stability, and durability. Dental implants can also be used to support a bridge or denture.
Reconstructive Surgery
A traumatic dental injury can sometimes result in the need for reconstructive surgery. The injury can be to the teeth or jaw, but it can also be to the soft tissue in the mouth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are instances when wisdom teeth, which typically come up between the ages of 17 and 25, cause no issues at all, but it’s quite common that they result in tooth or jaw pain or simply don’t fit in the patient’s mouth. When this is the case, sometimes an extraction is the best option.
Cosmetic Surgery
Not all types of dental surgery are designed to treat oral health issues. Surgery can sometimes be performed to improve a patient’s smile. This type of dental surgery is referred to as cosmetic surgery.
Find Relief with Dental Surgery at Access Endodontics
If you’re experiencing oral health issues and you think you may need a root canal, Access Endodontics can help. Contact us today by calling 410.304.7226 and we can address your concern.