3 Common Types of Oral Surgery: What to Know & Do

There’s no denying that the world of dentistry has evolved into what it is today. In fact, modern dental services now come in various forms, such as general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry.

One vital form of dentistry is oral surgery, which is any surgical procedure performed in or around the mouth and jaw. This procedure simply means that there are various types of dental services under oral surgery, given its scope.

In this article, we’ll discuss the three common types of oral surgery so that you will know what they entail and what you must do to prepare if you will undergo a dental procedure.

Three common types of oral surgical procedures

• Tooth extraction: This is the most common and usual type of oral surgery that almost all individuals have undergone at least once in their lives. As the name implies, the procedure involves removing the tooth for a handful of reasons, such as oral diseases, dental trauma, or overcrowded mouth. However, a tooth extraction that can be a little complicated is a wisdom tooth removal, especially if it is half-erupted or already impacted.

• Prosthodontic procedure: This is a type of oral surgery meant to improve oral aesthetics. A few examples of these dental procedures include reshaping the teeth, inserting dental implants, and installing veneers. In other words, prosthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on installing dental prostheses.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: This surgery type is a complex form of dental work, as the dental procedure doesn’t only cover the teeth and the gums but also the entire mouth or the jaw. Examples of these surgeries are corrective jaw surgery, dentoalveolar surgery, pre-prosthetic bone augmentation and nerve repositioning, and maxillofacial dental implants. They are not only performed for aesthetic purposes but for oral functions as well.

What to do for the oral surgery

Before you undergo an oral surgery, your dentist will likely provide you with some vital steps and tips to follow. For your reference, here are some of these:

Before the surgery:

• Discuss with your dentist and understand your oral procedure.
• Get the recommended x-rays and discuss the results with your dentist.
• Take the prescribed medications and recommended vitamins or supplements.
• Get your prosthetics when applicable before the actual procedure.

During the surgery day:

• Avoid food and drinks before the procedure for eight hours.
• Inform of any health conditions that may be impacted by the anesthesia.
• Have someone look after you if you will be hospitalized for a few days.
• Strictly follow your dentist’s advice and recommendations.

After the surgery:

• Limit your food and drink consumption based on expert recommendations.
• Take your pain medication as advised.
• Follow the instructions of your oral surgeon for your recovery.
• Avoid exercising for a few weeks or months, as advised.
• Get in touch with your dentist immediately if you develop any concerning oral issues.

Conclusion

At this point, we’ve covered the three common types of oral surgery that you can undergo: tooth extraction, prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above so that you know what to expect and follow the preparation tips outlined above. Ultimately, choose your local dentist who will perform your oral surgery smoothly, painlessly, and successfully!

Are you looking to have dental surgery? We’re a dental house in Ann Arbor, MI, specializing in a wide range of dental services, from preventive services to restorative dental work to cosmetic dentistry down to oral surgery. If you’re looking for a local dentist, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!