Dental Procedures That Require the Expertise of an Oral Surgeon

Dental procedures can range from the relatively minor—a cleaning, a filling, or a root canal—to the very serious—a tooth extraction, a jaw surgery, or a complex implant. For some procedures, like cleanings and fillings, most dental professionals are trained to perform the work. But for more complicated operations, like tooth extractions, jaw surgeries, and dental implants, you’ll need to see an oral surgeon in Plano.  

An oral surgeon is a dentist who has additional training in oral surgery, the surgical treatment of disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, and surrounding structures of the head and neck.

What Are Oral Surgery Procedures?

Tooth Extraction

It is the most common oral surgical procedure to remove a diseased, injured, or misshapen tooth. The mouth is cleansed and numbed, and then the tooth is surgically removed through a small incision in the gum tissue. After, the gum tissue is sutured back into place.  

Although there are tooth extraction procedures that are simple and do not require an oral surgeon, some extractions, like a wisdom tooth removal or a tooth stuck under the gums, usually require the expertise of an oral surgeon.  

Dental Implant Procedure

A dental implant procedure is used to replace missing or diseased teeth that have been lost over time. An implant is a small titanium rod surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as a tooth root. It provides a stable foundation for a crown.  

The implant is visible but does not cause the gum tissue to recede, so it does not affect the appearance of the mouth. It is designed to last for decades.  

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure in which a surgeon removes bone from another part of the body to restore a jawbone damaged by disease or injury. This procedure is often used to repair knocked-out teeth or rebuild missing teeth lost due to decay or injury. The donor bone is grafted into the host bone through the gum tissue.  

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is used to correct jaw deformities, facial deformities, or jaw fractures. The surgeon repairs the jaw by removing bone and placing it in a different position. If a jaw deformity, such as a jaw fracture is severe enough to require corrective surgery, you are best served by seeing an oral surgeon.  

An oral surgeon is the only qualified doctor to perform this procedure, and they will determine the best course of action based on your specific needs.  

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery is used to treat gum disease and bone loss caused by periodontitis. The condition is caused by bacteria and results in teeth loosening, leading to tooth loss. Your oral surgeon will recommend surgical procedures to repair the periodontal tissue. Periodontal surgery requires extensive training and expertise and can be highly complex.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

This procedure is used to remove tissues that block the airway during sleep. It can be performed on people with mild to severe sleep apnea. This surgery is usually recommended for people who have a history of snoring and for those who have sleep apnea that has been present for a long time. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform the surgery.  

This procedure is not a good option for people who have severe heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Your oral surgeon may recommend that you undergo a sleep study before sleep surgery. A sleep study will help your oral surgeon determine your blood pressure and heart rate to determine whether sleep surgery is a good choice for you. Sleep apnea surgery is an effective procedure and requires that you are in the best possible health condition.

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

Cleft lip and palate is a condition when the upper lip or palate does not close appropriately during facial development. The condition can affect the shape of the nose and mouth and the appearance of the teeth. The condition can cause breathing, speech, and feeding problems. Cleft lip and palate repair is a major procedure requiring extensive training performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.  

This procedure is recommended for children who have the condition and need extensive surgical repair. Your oral surgeon will assess your face and body to determine if this is the best treatment. They will also determine if additional medical conditions need to be addressed to ensure you have the best possible outcome. This procedure can be performed outpatient under local anesthesia.  

The amount of healing time depends on the type of procedure, the health of the patient, post-operative care, and the skill and experience of the surgeon.  

Looking for an Oral Surgeon in Plano?

At Texas Oral Surgery Group, we are committed to providing the highest quality oral surgery, orthodontics, and oral medicine in a compassionate, supportive environment. We want to help you improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile. To schedule an appointment with a Plano oral surgeon, contact us today.

We look forward to meeting you.