Tooth Extractions
You may need to have a tooth extracted for a number of reasons such as decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason, you will most likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will remove your tooth in the office using an anesthetic that is appropriate for your procedure.
Apicoectomy
While most root canals are successful, there are times when a root canal alone isn’t sufficient. If the infection from the dead nerve inside a tooth spreads beyond the tooth root and into the surrounding bone, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an apicoectomy. During an apicoectomy, the surgeon removes the infected portion of the tooth’s root in order to clean the infection from the tooth and surrounding bone and then fills the root to prevent future infections.
Exposing Impacted Teeth as Part of Orthodontic Treatment
It is not uncommon for teeth other than wisdom teeth to be impacted, or blocked from entering the mouth. Fortunately, your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon can bring the impacted tooth through the gum and into the correct position – giving you a beautiful healthy smile.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple procedure performed in the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s office to loosen the frenum’s connection and extend the range of motion in that part of the body.
Dental Hemisection and Root Amputation
If, even after a root canal, one or more of the tooth’s roots should become infected or there is significant bone loss around the tooth, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a hemisection or root amputation. During a hemisection, your surgeon removes one-half of the tooth, leaving a serviceable one-rooted tooth. The term “root amputation” refers to the surgical removal of one root of a multi-rooted tooth.
Trigeminal Nerve Repair
The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and such functions as biting and chewing, may be at risk for injury during some oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are able to diagnose and manage these injuries with both non-surgical and surgical treatments to restore sensation and function.
Other Soft-tissue Surgeries
Soft-tissue grafts
Soft-tissue grafts in the mouth can be important to maintaining oral health. Soft-tissue grafts are used to add more tissue in a certain area and may be used to:
- Prevent further gum recession;
- Cover an exposed root;
- Stop sensitivity in the affected area;
- Improve the look of the tooth; and/or
- Prevent problems in the future.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are occasionally used for a short time during orthodontic treatment. TADs are small titanium screws that orthodontists use to help reposition teeth. TADs are usually placed by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in their office. When the TADs are no longer needed, they are removed and the site is usually fully healed in a couple of days.
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, is caused by bacteria that, if left unchecked, may lead to periodontitis. A gingivectomy surgically removes diseased or excess gum tissue and the bacteria that can cause periodontitis.
Gingivoplasty, which is the surgical reshaping of the gum tissue, is often performed in combination with a gingivectomy for cosmetic or functional purposes.
Crown Lengthening Procedures
Before placing a crown on a tooth that has been weakened by decay, is cracked or broken, or severely worn down, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a crown lengthening procedure to ensure that enough of the tooth’s structure is available to securely hold a crown.
The information provided here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is provided to help you communicate effectively when you seek the advice of your oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Article Courtesy of AAOMS, https://myoms.org/
All procedures performed at Pottstown Oral Surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. Click here to learn more about us.