Surgical Procedures for a Better Smile
Sometimes, an oral health issue can be solved with a simple, non-invasive treatment. However, for more severe dental issues, oral surgery may be necessary. Rest assured, at our San Luis Obispo dental practice, Dr. Ramirez and our team can either gently perform these procedures or recommend you to a specialist for surgery, improving your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Learn more by calling us at (805) 549-8483 or reading the helpful guide below.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery focuses on surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and related structures. Dentists who specialize in oral surgery are known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These dental professionals have extensive training and expertise in performing surgical procedures to address a wide range of oral and facial issues.
Oral Surgeries
Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting, is a dental procedure that involves the surgical transfer of healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth to another. This procedure is commonly done to cover exposed tooth roots, treat gum recession and gum disease, and enhance the aesthetics of the smile. The grafting process helps improve gum health and can reduce tooth sensitivity while creating a more harmonious and attractive gumline.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting involves augmenting or restoring bone tissue in the jaw. During this treatment, your oral surgeon typically obtains bone material from another part of your body or a donor source and places it in the deficient area of the jaw. This procedure promotes bone regeneration and stability, creating a suitable foundation for dental implants or addressing bone loss resulting from periodontal disease or other factors.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
Surgical tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the surgical removal of a tooth. Surgical extraction is used for impacted or severely damaged teeth that aren’t easily extractable through a routine procedure.
During the surgery, your San Luis Obispo dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue and may need to section the tooth into pieces for extraction. Surgical tooth extractions are necessary to address complex cases and prevent further dental complications.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery, specifically root canal retreatment, is a dental procedure designed to address a previously treated root canal that has encountered complications or issues. During this treatment, your dentist or oral surgeon reopens the tooth, removes the existing filling material, and meticulously cleans and disinfects the root canals. Following this process, the canals and tooth are carefully resealed to prevent further infection, preserving a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant placement is a dental surgical procedure that involves precisely inserting a titanium dental implant post into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. During this treatment, our experienced implant dentist carefully prepares the jaw, drills a small hole, and secures the implant into the bone.
Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth, such as a dental crown. Dental implant placement is a highly effective and durable solution for restoring both the function and aesthetics of missing teeth.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of a fold of tissue known as a frenulum, typically located under the tongue (lingual frenulum) or between the upper lip and gums (labial frenulum). This procedure addresses conditions like tongue-tie or lip-tie, which can restrict movement and cause issues with speech, feeding, or dental development. By releasing or adjusting the frenulum, a frenectomy improves oral function and enhances oral health.
Oral Biopsy
Oral biopsy is a dental procedure that entails surgically extracting a small tissue sample from a specific site within the oral cavity. This procedure is frequently employed in dentistry to investigate and analyze suspicious growths, lesions, or abnormalities in the mouth. The collected tissue is subsequently sent to a laboratory for careful examination and diagnosis.
Oral biopsies are of paramount importance in identifying and characterizing oral diseases, including conditions like oral cancer. They’re a critical component in planning appropriate treatments and ensuring comprehensive patient care for oral cancer.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a specialized branch of oral and maxillofacial surgery that focuses on addressing significant jaw and facial deformities, as well as severe malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth and jaws). This procedure is typically performed in collaboration with orthodontists to achieve optimal dental and facial aesthetics and improve the functional aspects of the jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain levels can vary, but your oral surgeon will typically use anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Post-surgery, you may experience some pain and swelling. However, pain medication and proper care will help manage it. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery — most patients can resume regular activities within a few days to a couple of weeks.
General dentists provide routine dental care, while oral surgeons are specialists who have undergone additional training to perform surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, and face. Oral surgeons handle complex cases, including extractions, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw and dental surgery.
Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery carries some risks, which may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or complications related to anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you beforehand and take steps to minimize them. Follow post-oral surgery procedure instructions carefully to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Dental insurance typically covers some oral surgery procedures, especially if deemed medically necessary. The extent of coverage for dental surgery procedures varies among insurance plans, so it’s advisable to contact your insurance provider and the oral surgeon’s office to determine the specific coverage for your procedure.
Ready to Improve Your Oral Health? Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today!
If you’re seeking solutions for complex dental issues, our San Luis Obispo dental practice is here to help. Whether you require soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, surgical tooth extractions, endodontic surgery, dental implant placement, or other oral surgery procedures, we’ll help enhance both your oral health and your smile.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (805) 549-8483 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ramirez. Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile begins here. We serve San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas such as Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA.
