Oral Surgery Cleveland QLD

Oral surgery also known as maxillofacial surgery is performed by a specially trained dentist and includes all surgery that is performed in the mouth and around the mouth and jaw.

When is oral surgery required?

Oral surgery is required for procedures that go beyond the expertise of a general dentist. Procedures such as bone grafting, impacted wisdom teeth removal and dental implants.

Oracare offers the following oral surgeries:

Bone grafting

Following the loss of a tooth, bone loss is inevitable as the bone no longer receives pressure signals when you bite down. Without the signals, the jawbone doesn’t get stimulated and your body begins to reabsorb the bone material.

After about one year following tooth loss, you may have already lost about a quarter of their bone tissue. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure which replaces the missing bone that has been lost.

Bone grafting usually takes place prior to receiving a dental implant if there is insufficient bone tissue to secure the implant down.

Crown lengthening

The crown of the tooth is the section which is visible and sits above the gumline. The crown lengthening procedure is an oral surgical procedure which aims to expose more of the tooth. Done by an oral surgeon, the procedure removes gum tissue and bone to allow more of the tooth to be visible.

Teeth that are damaged and broken off at the gumline will require a crown lengthening procedure prior to the tooth being repaired. This is because there will not be enough tooth structure above the gums for a dental crown to attach on to. Without lengthening the tooth, attaching a crown would be risky and may cause further damage.

Dental implants

Dental implants are the best choice for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile to full health. They offer practically natural strength, function and aesthetics.

The dental implants are replacements for missing teeth that use titanium screws that act like a natural tooth root. The screw is drilled down into the jawbone to secure it in place and topped off with an artificial tooth or crown. Dental implants restore both beautiful natural aesthetics, and full function of your bite.

Gum lift

The gum lift is also known as a gingival lift, or gingivectomy and involves removing a small amount of gum tissue where the gum meets the teeth. This is commonly done on the top front teeth where it’s most visible while smiling or speaking.

The procedure can also contour the gum to make the gum line even to make an even-looking smile. Gum lifts are purely cosmetic procedures and can be performed using laser dentistry, making it faster, virtually painless and requires less recovery time.

Implant-supported bridges

It’s important to replace missing or severely damaged teeth as it helps to keep your mouth healthy and prevent problems associated with missing teeth. Missing teeth impacts chewing and speaking ability, and there is a risk that your other teeth may shift out of place.

An implant-supported bridge can replace your missing teeth without requiring adjacent abutment teeth, as this bridge uses dental implants instead of crowns. This uses a traditional dental implant which is topped with an artificial tooth and a connecting bridge of teeth.

The number of dental implants depends on the patient’s situation, including the number of teeth which need replacing and the amount of bone density.

Tooth extractions

The decision to extract a tooth is never taken lightly and is only performed if all possible alternatives have been ruled out. Before a tooth extraction, digital x-rays will be taken to assess the tooth and check its anatomy and connection to the jaw bone.

The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic before the tooth is extracted, meaning the procedure should be pain free and only pressure will be felt. Stitches may be used to help minimise gum bleeding post extraction and reduce the healing time of the gum tissue.

After a tooth is extracted you may experience some swelling, bleeding and discomfort which can be managed with over the counter painkillers. After a tooth extraction, do not smoke, drink or exercise for at least 24 hours.

Complications of tooth extraction surgery can include fractured roots, minor tears and damage to surrounding gum tissue. Other risks include bleeding, infection or dry socket – this occurs when the blood doesn’t clot in the tooth socket. These problems are unlikely, however they will be dealt with by the dentist if they occur.

Wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaw and usually begin to emerge between the ages of 16 to 20. Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come through, there is often not enough room for your mouth to accommodate them properly.

This can lead to impacted wisdom teeth; teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling and tenderness. Wisdom teeth which only slightly emerge through crooked and lead to crowding. It’s important to see the dental team at Oracare if you are suffering issues with your wisdom teeth, as an oral surgeon may be required to remove your wisdom teeth.

Contact Oracare if you require oral surgery

Before undergoing any form of oral surgery, it’s important to let the dental team at Oracare know about any medical conditions, allergies, inhalers and medication including blood thinning medications, drugs which slow down bone loss and the contraceptive pill.

More information regarding the oral surgical procedures and post-operative instructions and care will be given during a consultation with the experts at Oracare.

Get in touch with the friendly team at Oracare if you require an oral surgery, including the replacement of missing teeth, or believe you may be suffering from a dental problem.