Dental health is paramount; sometimes, it requires more extensive treatment than simple cleanings and fillings. You need to be aware of these types of oral surgery available to help maintain your dental health. Oral surgery in Huntington Beach can treat various conditions and diseases and often help improve your overall health.

Types of oral surgeries

Below find a detailed explanation of the different oral surgeries:

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last or third set of molars. They typically erupt between ages 17 and 21. If wisdom teeth have not fully erupted, they may become impacted (stuck). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and overcrowding of other teeth. Oral surgery is often necessary for their removal.

Dental implants

To replace a lost or extracted tooth, a titanium artificial tooth root is surgically inserted into the jawbone. A single crown, bridge, denture, or other prosthetic device can be anchored to the implant.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting involves the use of donor bone or artificial bone to fill in areas of inadequate natural bone. This is sometimes used to prepare the jawbone for dental implants, to help promote healing after a tooth extraction, or to restore the facial contour following trauma.

Corrective jaw surgery

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is a corrective procedure used to realign the jaws, treat a malocclusion (bad bite) or treat facial imbalances due to jaw misalignment. This type of surgery combines braces to reposition the teeth and jaws for improved function.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a procedure that removes or releases the frenum (a fold of tissue) from the gums. This may be necessary if the frenulum is too tight, causing gum recession, receding lips, and speech difficulties.

Before you choose any of the oral surgeries highlighted, you need to visit your dentist for a diagnosis. Your doctor will first determine if you are a candidate for the procedure and ensure you understand the risks associated with it.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination, X-rays, or other imaging. It will aid in uncovering any underlying health issues that could affect the surgery. After diagnosis, you can discuss with your doctor which procedure best suits your unique needs and preferences.

Surgery aftercare

Once the surgery is completed, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for yourself at home. You may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications, and follow all instructions carefully.

You will need to limit physical activity for a few days after the procedure and to eat soft foods that won’t irritate the surgical site. You should also avoid using tobacco products during healing, as these can delay or impede recovery. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that you are recovering properly. Most people return to normal activities within 7-10 days after the procedure.

However, it is advisable to continue with regular dental care to ensure that your dental health remains in top condition. Some dental care includes regular dental checkups, brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Visit your dentist at Orange Coast Dental Specialty to learn more about oral surgery.