What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery in savage mn is performed by a trained dental specialist and includes procedures on the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. While a dentist can perform minor oral surgeries, they are not the same as an oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS). Many people’s initial interaction with an OMS is to have their wisdom teeth removed. The scope of what an OMS can include the below procedures.

Tooth Extractions

The most recognized form of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Reasons for tooth extraction can include the following:

  • Wisdom teeth that are Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
  • Teeth beyond repair either as a result of tooth decay, root fracture, or trauma
  • Primary or baby teeth that have not fallen out and are preventing the eruption of permanent or adult teeth
  • General orthodontic treatment plans, which may require the removal of teeth to reduce crowding or other issues to achieve the patient’s desired result

Dental Implants

Dental implants are traditionally used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Implants are embedded in your jawbone, and act just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are increasing in popularity to replace missing teeth and to provide stability for dentures. The procedure for placing a dental implant varies based on the surgeons technique and by the type of implant used.

Developmental Conditions

Oral surgeons also help with conditions such as a cleft palate. Beyond the cosmetic improvement, repairing a cleft lip and palate provides infants with improved ability to nurse or drink from a bottle while also helping children to develop optimal speech. This procedure is not a single surgery, but a series of surgeries to maximize a child’s benefit while working to minimize the risks from complications.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer, which includes oral cancer, is the development of abnormal cells within the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, or lips.

Facial Injury and Trauma

Facial injury and trauma includes fractures of the upper and lower jaws and the areas surrounding the eyes, in addition to facial lacerations. The OMS’ knowledge of how jaws come together (dental occlusion) is vital when repairing complex facial fractures.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct a variety of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the jaw's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of this surgery, it is mainly performed to correct functional problems.

TMJ and Facial Pain

TMJ is an issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is located in front of your ears and joins your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder refers to dysfunction that causes facial pain or other symptoms in this area.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

The goal of cosmetic surgery is to focus on enhancing appearance compared to plastic surgery, which focuses on repairing flaws to reconstruct a normal function and appearance. With their surgical and dental background, oral and maxillofacial surgeons often perform cosmetic procedures involving the functional and aesthetic aspects of the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic breathing disorder where an individual repeatedly stops breathing during the night. It is typically caused by a partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway due to extra tissue, large tonsils, and/or a large tongue. Oral surgeons usually serve as a member of the comprehensive sleep team to help treat obstructive sleep apnea.

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