Oral Surgery

Oral surgery refers to a specialized field of dentistry that involves surgical procedures performed in and around the mouth and jaw. Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are dental specialists with advanced training in both dentistry and surgery. They are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and perform various surgical procedures related to oral and facial structures.

Common oral surgery procedures include:

1. Tooth Extractions: Oral surgeons often perform tooth extractions, including the removal of impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that are severely damaged or decayed.

2. Dental Implant Placement: Oral surgeons are skilled in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

3. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): This type of surgery is performed to correct jaw misalignments or irregularities that may affect a person's bite, speech, or facial appearance.

4. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Surgery: For severe cases of temporomandibular joint disorders, oral surgeons may perform surgical procedures to address the jaw joint and surrounding structures.

5. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Oral surgeons are involved in the surgical correction of cleft lip and palate conditions, which are congenital deformities affecting the upper lip and roof of the mouth.

6. Facial Trauma Surgery: Oral surgeons may treat facial injuries resulting from accidents or trauma, including fractures to the jaw, cheekbones, or other facial bones.

7. Biopsy and Tumor Removal: Oral surgeons may perform biopsies to diagnose oral lesions or tumors and may also be involved in the removal of tumors or cysts in the oral and facial regions.

Oral surgery is often conducted in a surgical suite or a hospital setting, and patients may receive local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure.