Patients can get anxious when they hear they require surgery, especially when accompanied by the common sensation of dental fear. Oral surgery occurs more regularly than you might imagine. The best way to counter nervousness about a potential procedure is to learn more about it. Dr. Vijay Patel, a dentist in Claremont, CA, describes four types of oral surgery.
Tooth extractions
If a tooth is decayed or traumatized beyond repair, it may need to be surgically removed to avoid secondary oral health concerns. A dentist will usually use a local anesthetic for this surgery, but sedation could also be available for patient comfort. Regular dental check-ups can help you avoid tooth damage to this extent and provide early treatment options that could be less invasive than a tooth extraction.
Some extraction procedures are not avoidable, even with proper oral hygiene. Wisdom teeth removal is a standard procedure for young adults. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but surgical intervention may be required if the teeth are impacted or affecting other teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a valuable tooth replacement solution that benefits many patients who are missing teeth. This is a multi-step treatment process, but the surgical element involves the placement of a titanium post in the jaw. Later, a crown will be secured to complete the dental implant. An implant can replace a singular tooth or several teeth with a fixture similar to a bridge. Dental implants can also be used to secure a permanent denture in place. Whichever type of dental implant you may receive, the surgical element of restorative dentistry is valuable.
Jaw development
If jaw function is significantly affected, especially in children, jaw surgery may be necessary. An underdeveloped jaw can affect tooth development, which can create issues with chewing, swallowing, speaking, or breathing. Oral surgery for patients with this condition can repair the jaw and improve a patient’s smile. This specific surgery can therefore have both restorative and cosmetic benefits.
Root canal therapy
Endodontic therapy, more commonly known as a root canal procedure, treats infected tooth pulp, which can be very painful. This surgery removes the damaged tooth pulp and seals the emptied root canal to relieve pain and heal the tooth, eliminating the infection. The procedure concludes with a crown to keep the tooth stabilized and maintain its structure. Many patients report pain relief following this oral surgery.
Oral surgery and more in Claremont, CA
Claremont Dental Institute offers oral surgery and many other dental treatments in Claremont, CA. Dr. Patel specializes in general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. For more information, contact our office online or by phone at 909.277.6919.