What Conditions Require Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is usually a last resort when more conservative and less invasive dental treatments have failed. However, sometimes oral surgery is the best option to save your teeth and gums from further damage and more invasive and expensive treatment in the future.
With an office in The Woodlands, Texas, Scott Young, DDS, provides dental services for the greater Houston region, including the communities of Highland Village, West University, River Oaks, Rice Village, and Memorial.
What conditions require oral surgery?
Here are some of the conditions that may require oral surgery:
Impacted teeth
When a tooth is impacted, it means it hasn’t fully erupted and is fully or partially stuck under the gum line. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to the adjacent teeth.
Wisdom teeth are often impacted and often require oral surgery to safely extract them.
Dental implants
When you lose a tooth due to decay, gum disease, or an accident, dental implants may be a good option for you. The implant is surgically placed in the gum to replace the tooth’s root. Once it heals, a cosmetic crown is attached.
TMJ and jaw problems
If you have significant TMJ issues that haven't responded to more conservative treatment or jaw abnormalities, you may need oral surgery to correct the issue.
Facial injuries
Oral surgery may be necessary to repair facial injuries, such as a broken jaw or facial bone fractures.
Cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition where the upper lip or roof of the mouth doesn’t form properly. Oral surgery is used to correct it.
Oral cancer
Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors in the mouth or throat.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is usually treated conservatively with oral appliances or a CPAP machine. However, in some cases, oral surgery may be necessary to correct an underlying issue blocking the airway during sleep.
If you’re experiencing any new or ongoing symptoms like pain, signs of infection, or an injury, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Young and our team will provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
How to protect your oral health
Preventive dental care and treatment is the best thing you can do to lower your chances of needing oral surgery in the future. Practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings will decrease your risk of common oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
For more information about oral surgery and your general and cosmetic dentistry needs, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Scott Young, DDS.