Oral health is a vital branch of health since it involves the oral cavity. Promoting good oral hygiene is essential since it’s a big part of the digestive system. Without it, people won’t be able to chew, swallow food, or even talk.
Like any part of the body, some conditions can affect the oral cavity. Worst cases mean these people will need the help of an oral surgeon. In areas like West Jordan, they can choose from several options. Here are the most common conditions treated with oral surgery.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
One painful condition is an impacted wisdom tooth, and it needs surgery. An impacted wisdom tooth usually forms in a position where they can’t erupt or grow properly. Usually, it is extracted through a minor operation if there are no symptoms of pain or swelling. If it’s not treated early, it can cause infection. The procedure is performed like in tooth extraction, but longer and harder, since the tooth is under the gums.
Tooth Extraction
Though it’s a minor procedure, it is still considered a surgery. Dentists or oral surgeons perform tooth extractions to remove damaged or decayed teeth. Tooth decay can turn critical if it’s not treated. If the cavities are shallow, dentists will choose to fill them. But for a severely damaged tooth, dentists recommend a tooth extraction.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Also called orthognathic surgery, corrective jaw surgery corrects a misaligned bite. In some cases, dentists perform the procedure to repair congenital abnormalities. It is also used to reshape or reposition the jaw and teeth so they will be aligned.
Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy is a procedure wherein the pulp in the tooth is removed to relieve pain. It is performed when the pulp has been infected and inflamed. When the pulp is removed, the dentist can clean the canals.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are becoming popular today. In this procedure, the dentist puts a bridge over two adjacent teeth rather than reshaping the adjacent teeth. Usually, titanium studs are used and implanted into the tooth socket.
Periodontics
As much as the teeth are important, the gums are, too. Periodontics is a branch of dentistry dealing with dental surgery involving the gums. Gingivitis, a periodontal disease, occurs before becoming full-blown periodontitis. If it’s not treated early, it can lead to loosening up the teeth or removing the connection between the gums, teeth, and bones.
Root Canal
A root canal surgery is an endodontic treatment performed by a dentist. The infected tooth is usually drilled, and the pulp is removed. After cleaning the tooth, the dentist will put a crown. In the past, this is one of the most painful dental procedures. Hence, it’s important to discuss the operation with the patient. Also, root canals are performed in patients with severe pain and swelling due to dental caries.
There are many dental procedures, and all these perform one role – protect a person’s oral health. It’s important to know when to have this surgery when dealing with oral hygiene.
