When is Oral Surgery an Option?

Examining radiography

Any surgery may seem scary, but many patients are particularly fearful of oral surgery. It’s important to remember that oral surgery is meant to relieve pain and restore function. Certain dentists are experts in oral surgery, just as there are experts in endodontics and periodontics, and your dentist in OC dentist may refer you to one if you have a serious issue that has not responded to more conservative treatments.

There are many different types of oral surgery, performed to cure a wide range of issues, such as diseases and disorders. The following is information about some common surgeries.

 

Tooth extraction

A tooth may need to be removed for a number of reasons. Wisdom teeth are often removed if they are impacted, growing in misaligned, or show signs they might cause complications in the future. Teeth that have suffered deep decay and can no longer be restored are often extracted, as well.

 

Tooth replacement

When a tooth is extracted or knocked-out, the patient may choose to replace it with a dental implant. This requires our oral surgeon in Orange County to drill a hole in the jaw bone and insert a titanium post that will act as the base of the new artificial tooth.

 

Joint surgery

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disease, may not respond to conventional treatment. An oral surgeon can surgically fix the joints and alleviate pain.

When is Oral Surgery an Option?