Whether you’re considering dental surgery as a solution to treat tooth decay or a way to improve your overall dental health, there are many factors to consider. Here are a few tips to help you decide if this type of surgery is right for you.
Root canals
Using modern techniques, it is possible to have a root canal performed in just one or two appointments. This procedure can save a tooth that may otherwise need to be removed. The end result is a healthy tooth that can function like it did before the infection.
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue from the center of a tooth. This area contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If left untreated, an infection can spread and lead to loss of the tooth or even an abscess.
The modern procedure is relatively painless. A local anesthetic is administered and a rubber dam is placed around the tooth. This isolation keeps saliva and debris out of the tooth while the work is being performed.
A root canal is usually performed to save a tooth that is severely decayed. An infected tooth may also require a crown or implant to replace the tooth.
The root canal procedure is considered a restorative procedure and is typically covered by most dental insurance plans.
Implants
Surgical placement of dental implants is a common treatment for restoring missing teeth. The procedure involves placing a metal post deep into the jawbone. The metal post is connected to an abutment, a piece that will hold the crown in place.
The implant material used is usually titanium. The alloy contains high biocompatibility and is not susceptible to decay. Titanium is also known to have excellent mechanical properties. The titanium alloy has a high surface oxide, which prevents corrosion and protects the body from the breakdown of the material.
The choice of material for dental implants should be based on the patient’s health, as well as the type of implant to be placed. Implants may be used to replace missing teeth, or to support bridgework.
A variety of bioactive inorganic materials are used in dental surgery. These include tri-calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, amorphous calcium phosphate, bioactive glass, and lab-based analysis. These materials are used in endodontics, dental implants, and regenerative dentistry.
Periodontics
Using gum tissue grafts, a periodontist can cover a bare tooth’s root. This procedure can be used for single or multiple teeth, and can also be used to help reduce gum sensitivity.
Gingival sculpting, also known as crown lengthening, is a procedure that reshapes the gums to provide a broader, healthier smile. This procedure can be performed to treat gingivitis, which is a disease caused by bacteria on the teeth.
Gingival flap surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, is another procedure that a periodontist can perform to help fight gum disease. This procedure involves making an incision into the gums to loosen the frenum, which is the band of connective tissue that connects the tongue, lip and gums.
A periodontist can also help restore bone loss to a tooth that has been damaged by gum disease. These procedures are known as regenerative procedures, as they involve treatments that stimulate the growth of tissue.
Periodontists can also perform cosmetic dental procedures to enhance the appearance of a smile. These procedures can include gum depigmentation, gum reshaping, crown lengthening, and even dental implants.
Cosmetic surgery
Whether you are looking to get dental implants, dental bonding, veneers or teeth whitening, you can find a dental practice that will give you the results you want. However, it is important to find a practice that is experienced and prioritizes patient comfort.
In the United States, the dental profession’s scope of practice has expanded to include cosmetic surgery. This has led to regulatory issues and legal issues. The expanded definition of dentistry was put forth by the American Dental Association in 1990.
Today, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform cosmetic surgery on the face and neck. The cosmetic surgery of the head and neck includes rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, genioplasty, lip enhancement, rhytidectomy/facelift, cheek augmentation, and septoplasty. The practice also includes microvascular reconstruction, craniofacial trauma, head and neck cancer, and facial deformity.
To become an oral surgeon, you must complete an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in dentistry. You must also complete a surgical residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This training is four years in a hospital-based surgical environment. After this training, you must spend another four months in other surgical practices.
