What Types of Procedures Does Oral Surgery Cover?
Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures aimed at addressing issues related to the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. These procedures are typically more complex than routine dental work and may require specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. One common type of oral surgery is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, which involves extracting teeth that are trapped under the gums and can lead to infection, pain, or misalignment of surrounding teeth. Another common procedure is dental implant surgery, where artificial teeth roots are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
Oral surgery also includes procedures that address jaw misalignments, such as corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery), which helps in realigning the jaw to improve both functionality and appearance. Additionally, surgeries to treat oral cancers, cysts, or tumors, as well as biopsies to detect abnormal growths, are included under oral surgery. Another common procedure is bone grafting, often used before placing dental implants, to ensure there is enough bone density to secure the implant. Lastly, surgeries to treat severe gum disease, such as flap surgery or gum grafts, are also part of oral surgery. These procedures aim to restore both function and aesthetic appearance to the oral cavity, ensuring better oral health and quality of life.
