Sometimes a trip to your general dentist is not enough, and a session with your oral surgeon in Brooklyn may be what you need. Several dental procedures are beyond your general dentist’s scope of practice, and examples include gum grafting, dental implant placement, and surgical jaw reconstruction after an injury.
Depending on the problem you have, you may need the services of one or more dental specialists including a periodontist, endodontist, or prosthodontist. The information below sheds more light on oral surgery and everything you need to know.
Why would I need oral surgery?
There are different instances when you may need services from your oral surgeon including:
Impacted teeth
These are teeth that partially come out or don’t come out entirely due to inadequate space in the jaw. Although impacted teeth are common with wisdom teeth, the problem can affect any teeth in your mouth. The result is usually pain and swollen gums, which can affect what and how you eat. An infection can also develop around the gum surrounding the impacted teeth. When left unresolved, this problem may result in abnormal growths like tumors and cysts, which damage your jaw.
One or more missing teeth
Tooth loss is a common problem and may occur due to different causes such as tooth extraction and periodontitis. When you are missing several of your teeth, your mouth and cheeks can sink in, making you appear older. Fortunately, you can benefit from dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth and avoid further complications such as jaw bone deterioration. Dental implants are usually used to substitute for natural tooth roots and are embedded inside the jaw. Patients need to have an adequate bone mass to get an implant.
Sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing difficulties as you sleep. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and partially obstruct your airways. Snoring is a common symptom among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, and others include morning headaches, trouble concentrating, and mood changes. Because of destructed sleep, people with sleep apnea may also feel drowsy during the day, which affects their productivity.
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight and exercising. Therapies such as positive airway pressure and using a mouthpiece help keep the airways open. However, surgery may be an option for patients whose symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments.
How do I prepare for oral surgery?
An initial consultation is the first step for anyone who needs oral surgery. During the consultation, your specialist informs you about the procedure and discusses the benefits and risks. Here is when you bring out all the questions or concerns regarding the process. Below are other things you can do in preparation for oral surgery.
- Do not eat the night before surgery to avoid complications such as aspiration.
- Arrange for a ride home because sedation impairs your judgment, and you may not be fit to operate a vehicle.
Oral surgeries range from simple to complex, but whichever the case, proper preparation is essential to ensure you get a seamless experience. If you have further questions about oral surgery, consult your specialist at Brooklyn City Dental today.
