Oral surgery may be more common than you think – it’s certainly a lot less scary than you’re probably imagining. If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, like Dr. Hofkes, don’t be alarmed. From placing dental implants, removing tumors, to grafting bone and gum tissue – oral surgery is only used to better your health. Deciding whether you need oral surgery or not depends on your individual situation, there are certain conditions that may require surgery (such as; cancer, wisdom teeth, and severe forms of dental conditions like malocclusion, gum disease, TMD, etc.). So, if you’re wondering, “do I need oral surgery?” It’s definitely time for a visit to your dentist.
Exploring Oral Surgery Procedures
Dental Implants: You may need implants if you’ve suffered from tooth loss, whether it be to infection or injury. Placing dental implants requires oral surgery because the post of the implant (the portion similar to the root of your natural tooth) is inserted into your gum tissue. This is actually done so the post can meet with your jawbone.
Grafting: There are a couple different grafting surgeries; bone grafting and gum grafting. Both consist of taking healthy bone and gum tissue from other areas around your mouth to help rebuild areas that have been weakened from infection (or other circumstances). Often times, your dentist will recommend a grafting surgery when there isn’t enough bone or soft tissue to support a dental implant or other restorative option.
Tooth Extraction: Extraction is commonly recommended when a tooth is threatening the health of surrounding teeth. Although it’s more common with wisdom teeth, any tooth can be removed.
