Oral surgery may be performed for a number of reasons. Here are a few times that surgical procedures are used to restore the mouth.
Root Canal Treatments
When a tooth becomes infected, the infection may spread to the innermost layer of the tooth, which is called the dental pulp. The pulp is a soft, living material that houses the tooth's blood vessels and nerves.
Once the pulp becomes infected, the nerves within the pulp may become inflamed. This inflammation can cause irreparable damage to the nerves, resulting in chronic tooth pain.
During a root canal treatment, a hole is created in the exterior tooth material, and the soft pulp is extracted from the tooth. The hollowed tooth structure is then cleaned and disinfected. Next, the empty tooth is filled with a suitable material and covered by a dental crown for protection and fortification.
Before the final dental crown is received, a temporary crown may be applied to the treated tooth. However, once the permanent crown has been created by the dental lab and forwarded back to the dental office, the temporary crown can be removed, and the permanent crown can be placed on the tooth.
The root canal treatment is a relatively minor dental surgery and can be performed in an office setting.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic dental device that is used to replace the roots of a missing tooth. The implant is surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw, so it rests in practically the same position as the natural roots of a tooth.
The surgery is performed using local anesthesia and can be completed in your dentist's office. After the implant is placed, it integrates with the bone of the jaw as the bone cells grow around the device.
The osseointegration of the implant is usually complete within a few months. Once the healing process has finished, if the implant is used to restore a single tooth, the gums around the device are surgically contoured. Then a connector is added to the device, and the implant is then topped with a dental crown.
If the dental implant is used to support a multi-teeth appliance, such as a dental bridge, all-on-four, or an implant-supported bridge, the implant is fitted with a suitable abutment before the appliance is added. The implant is considered permanent even if the supported appliance eventually requires a replacement.
For more information about oral surgical procedures, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
