How to Know If I Need Oral Surgery
July 31, 2023 10:32 amOral surgery involves treating various conditions affecting the mouth with dental procedures that are more invasive than typical preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures. Below, we discuss some situations for which we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team to see if you would benefit from oral surgery.
- Impacted Teeth
- Jaw Misalignment
- Tooth Loss
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don’t have enough space to fully emerge or they grow in crooked, leading to impaction. This means they only partially erupt or they get stuck under the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection, as well as damage to neighboring teeth. Surgically removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent these issues.
If you have chronic jaw pain or difficulty biting or chewing, it could indicate jaw misalignment and an improper bite. Orthodontics can often correct this misalignment. But in cases for which orthodontics alone can’t correct your issue, oral surgery may help correct your bite to improve functionality and reduce pain.
Have you experienced tooth loss due to injury, tooth decay, or gum disease? You may benefit from dental implants if you’re missing one or more of your teeth and desire a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement solution. This surgical procedure helps restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile by securely placing a biocompatible metal rod into your jawbone, then topping it with an artificial tooth after the area has healed. A bone graft may be required beforehand if you’ve had tooth loss for a while.
Oral Surgery at River City Dental in Fort Smith, AR
A qualified dental professional can determine if oral surgery is right for your condition. So if you’re experiencing any of the situations above, schedule a consultation with our team at River City Dental in Fort Smith, AR. We look forward to caring for your oral health!
