Many issues affecting the health of the mouth can be managed with regular dental examinations and nonsurgical procedures such as fillings. However, some problems require oral or orthodontic surgery Orange Park FL to correct. Oral surgery is fairly routine, and here are some of the most commonly performed procedures.
- Extraction/Removal
Extraction refers specifically to the removal of teeth. Some extractions can be handled in a regular dentist’s office, but in certain situations, such as when it involves the molars in the back of the mouth, removing the tooth may require oral surgery. An oral surgeon may also remove growths in the mouth, such as cancerous tumors.
- Reconstruction
Sometimes removing a pathological process, such as a malignant tumor, also does damage to the structure of the jawbone. Reconstructive oral surgery is intended to repair the defect and restore the jaw’s function and appearance.
- Orthognathic Surgery
Sometimes the bones of the face and jaw grow in a way that is abnormal. This can cause malocclusion, which occurs when the teeth do not come together properly to bite and chew. Orthognathic surgery seeks to correct the malocclusion by moving the jaws back into the proper position.
- Cleft Palate Surgery
A cleft palate is a defect that is present from birth. It occurs when the bones of the skull do not come together properly while the baby is developing in the womb. Cleft palate can cause functional issues and may also be accompanied by a cleft lip, a disfiguring defect. Fortunately, it is usually possible to correct these issues surgically while a child is still very young, so the long-term impact is minimal.
- Dental Implants
Regarded by many as one of the most important dental advancements in half a century, dental implants replace missing teeth. A metal shaft, typically made of titanium, is implanted directly into the jawbone. Then a tooth-shaped prosthesis is installed on top. Dental implants closely mimic the look and function of natural teeth.