Oral Surgery
WHAT IS ORAL SURGERY?
While the removal of wisdom teeth is the most well-known type of oral surgery, there are many reasons why oral surgery may be required. For example, to:
· Diagnose, repair or treat serious conditions affecting the patient’s teeth, palate, lips, jaw or face
· Alleviate problems due to obstructed sleep apnea, infections or facial pain
· Augment a treatment plan by a dentist or specialist
· Repair Maxillofacial region damage caused by a serious accident or injury
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
The term “wisdom tooth” refers to any of the usual four third molars in humans. Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 16 and 25. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have fewer (hypodontia) or more (supernumerary teeth). Wisdom teeth commonly affect other teeth as they develop, sometimes becoming impacted – come in sideways. Wisdom teeth are often extracted when they become impacted or will cause overcrowding in the mouth.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITH WISDOM TEETH?
There are several different types of problems related to wisdom teeth, including:
1. Mesioangular Impaction – the most common form of impaction in which the tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth
2. Vertical Impaction – the second most common form of impaction in which the tooth does not fully erupt through the gum line
3. Distoangular Impaction – this type of impaction occurs when the tooth is angled backwards, towards the rear of the mouth
4. Horizontal Impaction – this is the least common form of impaction in which the tooth is angled fully 90 degrees sideways, growing into the roots of the second molar
5. Partial Eruption – this occurs when the wisdom tooth fails to erupt completely through the gum bed and the gum at the back of the wisdom tooth extends over the biting surface, forming a soft tissue flap or lid around the tooth
POST-EXTRACTION PROBLEMS
There are several different types of problems that can occur post-extraction. Some of these problems are unavoidable and natural, while others are under the control of the patient. Some of those problems are:
· Bleeding and oozing
· Dry Socket
· Swelling
· Nerve Injury
Depending on your oral situation, Dr Rastegar may recommend that you or your child see an Oral Surgeon. Oral Surgeons, also known as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, are qualified dentists who have completed an additional 4-6 years of surgical residencies. Their advanced education and training includes anesthesiology and the diagnosis and surgical treatment of defects, injuries, and diseases of the mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, gums, and other soft tissues of the head.
POST-EXTRACTION PROBLEMS
