Dental surgery may sound scary, but it is quite common and helps solve many dental problems. Whether it’s fixing a damaged tooth, removing wisdom teeth, or replacing missing teeth, dental surgery plays a key role in maintaining oral health.
Many people feel anxious about dental procedures, but understanding the most common types can make things easier. Here are some common types of dental surgery that people undergo for better oral health.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental surgeries. Dentists recommend it when a tooth is badly damaged due to decay, infection, or injury. Wisdom tooth removal is a type of tooth extraction that many people experience.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly, which can cause pain, swelling, or infection. In such cases, the dentist removes them to prevent further complications. The procedure usually involves numbing the area with anesthesia so that the patient does not feel pain.
Dental Implant Surgery
The dental implant surgery is a great option for people who have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. This procedure involves placing a metal post, usually made of titanium, into the jawbone. The post acts as a replacement for the tooth root.
Once the bone heals around the implant, the dentist attaches an artificial tooth, known as a crown, on top. The success of dental implants depends on good oral hygiene and bone health. Since the implant fuses with the jawbone, it provides strong support, making it feel like a natural tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is needed when the inside of a tooth, known as the pulp, gets infected or inflamed. This often happens due to deep cavities, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or cracks that expose the pulp to bacteria.
If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing severe pain and even leading to tooth loss. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and fills it with a special material to prevent further infection.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery includes various procedures that involve the mouth, jaw, and face. It is performed for different reasons, such as correcting jaw misalignment, treating facial injuries, or removing tumors. One of the most common oral surgeries is jaw correction surgery, which helps fix bite problems and improves the ability to chew and speak.
Some people also need oral surgery for conditions like sleep apnea, where extra tissue is removed from the throat to help with breathing. Oral surgeons work closely with dentists and other specialists to ensure patients get the right treatment based on their condition.
Conclusion
Dental surgery is more common than most people think, and it plays a big role in maintaining oral health. Procedures like tooth extraction, dental implants, root canals, and oral surgery help fix dental issues and prevent long-term problems.
While the idea of surgery can be intimidating, advancements in dentistry have made these procedures safer and more effective. If you ever need dental surgery, consulting a skilled dentist and following post-surgery care instructions will ensure a smooth recovery.
