Most people will need dental work to some degree during their lifetime. It can be scary but truly isn’t anything to fear. Most dental surgeries are quite common and designed to keep your teeth healthy, attractive and functioning.
Root Canal
A root canal surgery is when the dentist drills in to remove the nerve and pulp at the center of a tooth. This is done to save the tooth from infection and needing to be removed. The hollowed out tooth is then filled and sealed so it can continue to function normally. A root canal may be needed in other cases, such as when a crown is put in and the patient is experiencing severe pain.
Extraction
Extractions are when teeth are removed. This can become necessary for a number of reasons. One of the most common extractions are the wisdom teeth, four additional teeth that emerge during late adolescence. They commonly cause complications such as crowding and growing in sideways and therefore need to be removed. Extractions may also be necessary if there is no way to save an infected or damaged tooth, or in the unusual case of the growth of extra teeth.
Implant
Dental implants have become the method of choice for replacing missing teeth if they can be put in. An implant consists of both an artificial root and tooth itself. Patients typically need to do implant surgery in stages, allowing the artificial root to take hold before the tooth is added. Implants should also be started immediately after an extraction to prevent bone loss.
Bone Graft
Bone graft surgery can become necessary if bone in the jaw erodes away. This can be due to cysts, tumors, periodontal disease or an unsupported tooth extraction. It involves placing surrogate bone into the jaw to create support and encourage new bone growth. Bone graft is used to secure dental implants in place or as a way to shore up teeth that are losing their support due to bone loss.
Corrective Surgeries
Corrective dental surgeries are performed when there is a developmental defect or damage due to trauma. This type of oral surgery helps patients recover from traumatic injuries and regain normal use of their jaw. It can also help people with developmental defects chew, breathe and speak normally.