If your Kenosha dentist recommends oral surgery don’t be quick to say no. Sometimes, surgery is required to preserve or restore your oral health. Most patients panic when they are told to go through surgery thinking that it’s painful and dangerous. While it’s true that oral surgery comes with risks just like any other surgery, it’s not unsafe just as long as you choose a skilled and seasoned specialist to perform it.

Oral surgery is a procedure that addresses a number of health conditions such as tooth loss, sleep apnea and impacted wisdom tooth. Most patients who go through oral surgery usually go back to work after a couple of days. One of the reasons why people are scared of oral surgery is because they don’t know what it is, why it’s done and how it’s done. Having full knowledge about what you are about to go through, why it’s necessary and the health benefits of oral surgery will convince you to push through with it for the sake of your oral health. Let’s find out more.

What is oral and maxillofacial surgery? Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgery done on your mouth tissues but it also includes your teeth and gums as well as surgery in your face, jaw and head. The most common types of oral surgery done are impacted tooth removal, sleep apnea treatment, dental implant surgery and reconstructive jaw surgery.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth often erupt by themselves without problem but there are patients whose wisdom teeth are trapped or impacted. When impacted teeth are not removed surgically it will cause pain and it may even result to teeth misalignment. Aside from alignment issues, impacted teeth can also cause food to get trapped around them predisposing you to tooth decay and gum infection.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Believe it or not but sleep apnea may also require surgery. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder wherein the person breathes repeatedly and then suddenly they stop breathing and then starts again. Individuals who tend to snore loudly and who often complain of tiredness even after a good night’s sleep may have sleep apnea. Sometimes dentists recommend the use of mouth guards or a machine that will help keep their airways open while they sleep but if these methods still won’t work, surgery is the last resort. During oral surgery, your oral surgeon will surgically remove excessive tissues at the back of your throat to clear your airway and to minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Dental Implant Surgery

Individuals who have lost several teeth and are looking for a permanent tooth replacement option settle with dental implant surgery. In this procedure, your oral surgeon will create a tiny incision along your gumline to expose your jawbone. Once the jawbone is exposed your oral surgeon will drill holes in your jawbone to accommodate the biocompatible metal implants. The gums are stitched back to allow the implants to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the gums have fully healed and the bone has infused successfully with the implant, the dental crowns will be placed.

Reconstructive and Jaw Surgery

Patients who suffer from jaw problems complain of pain and difficulty eating. Without surgery, the pain will persist and it may even lead to malnutrition. A reconstructive and jaw surgery will not only improve a patient’s look but it will also fix the root of the problem thereby relieving pain and allowing them to eat normally.

Takeaway

In terms of safety, it’s best if you discuss the procedure with your oral surgeon so you can ask your questions as well as the specifics of the treatment to give you peace of mind and to lessen your anxiety. Nevertheless, to ensure that you have a high success rate, we highly recommend that you find a good and reliable oral surgeon.