Oral surgery is performed to address a variety of issues relating to the teeth and gums and fix functional or cosmetic concerns. An oral surgeon is also trained to surgically remove the hard and soft tissues in the mouth that are no longer healthy or functional. Sometimes this means removing teeth that are severely decayed or damaged beyond the point of repair.
Allegra Dental Center: Nana Dickson, DDS, and Morgan Floyd, DMD, the most common types of oral surgery procedures we perform include tooth extractions and dental implant placement.
When Is Oral Surgery Required?
Several conditions require oral surgery, including impacted wisdom teeth, jaw alignment issues, and malocclusions. Impacted wisdom teeth are among the most common reasons adults will need oral surgery. These teeth do not have room to erupt properly and may grow at an angle or erupt only partially. They need to be removed to prevent pain, swelling, and other more severe complications like infections.
Jaw alignment issues may also require oral surgery if the patient is experiencing a TMJ disorder or other problems relating to the bite. Malocclusions can usually be treated with braces, but severe cases may require oral surgery for correction.
The Benefits of Oral Surgery
Relieve Pain
Severe toothaches can be a sign that you need oral surgery. The tooth may have a deep cavity or an infection and require extraction. You may also need a tooth extraction if your tooth is impacted or has cracked in half. In this case, removing the damaged portion of the tooth can prevent infection and damage to the other teeth.
Improved Appearance
An oral surgery procedure can address problems like gum disease, missing teeth, and misalignment. If you have one of these issues, your smile may look unhealthy or unappealing.
Dental implants can replace missing teeth to restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Implants prevent bone loss in the jaw and gums, which can occur when teeth are missing for extended periods and cause you to look older than you are. With dental implants, you can enjoy the benefits of a more attractive smile!
After your procedure, you will smile more confidently and feel great about your appearance. This can increase your self-esteem and help you enjoy better relationships and a more fulfilling life.
If you have suffered trauma to the jaw or face, our dentist can help restore your dentition to a healthy and functional state. Visit Allegra Dental Center: Nana Dickson, DDS, and Morgan Floyd, DMD, at 3040 Williams Dr #201, Fairfax, VA 22031, or call (571) 419-6897 to learn more about your options for oral surgery.