Oral surgery encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures performed in the mouth, jaws, and facial region by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, specialists with advanced training in both dentistry and surgery. These procedures may be necessary to address various dental and oral health issues, correct facial deformities, or improve the function and aesthetics of the mouth and face. Here’s an overview of some common types of oral surgery procedures:

1. Tooth Extractions:

• Tooth extractions involve the surgical removal of one or more teeth from the mouth. This may be necessary due to severe decay, trauma, infection, overcrowding, or impaction (such as wisdom teeth). Oral surgeons are skilled in performing both simple and complex extractions, including impacted or damaged teeth.

1. Dental Implant Placement:

• Dental implant surgery is a procedure used to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots (dental implants) that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Oral surgeons are trained to perform implant placement surgery, including bone grafting and sinus lift procedures when additional bone support is needed.

1. Bone Grafting:

• Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to augment or regenerate bone in the jaw to provide adequate support for dental implants or improve the stability of dentures. Oral surgeons may use various bone graft materials, such as autografts, allografts, or synthetic bone substitutes, to rebuild lost bone tissue.

1. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery):

• Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery performed to address congenital abnormalities, malocclusions (misalignments of the jaws), facial asymmetry, or breathing problems related to jaw position. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work in collaboration with orthodontists to plan and execute these complex procedures.

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal:

• Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, may become impacted (unable to erupt properly) due to lack of space or improper alignment. Oral surgeons can safely remove impacted wisdom teeth through surgical extraction techniques to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and prevent damage to adjacent teeth and tissues.

1. Treatment of Oral Pathology:

• Oral surgeons diagnose and treat various oral and facial pathologies, including cysts, tumors, lesions, and oral cancers. This may involve biopsy procedures to obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination and subsequent surgical excision or treatment.

1. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery:

• In cases of severe temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders) that do not respond to conservative treatments, oral surgeons may perform TMJ surgery to repair or replace the joint, alleviate pain, restore function, and improve jaw mobility.

1. Cosmetic Facial Surgery:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also perform cosmetic facial surgery procedures to enhance facial aesthetics, such as chin augmentation, cheek implants, facial contouring, and facial rejuvenation surgeries.

Oral surgery procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s preferences. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training and have the expertise to perform a wide range of surgical procedures safely and effectively, helping patients achieve optimal oral health and facial harmony.