When is oral surgery needed?
Oral surgery treats a number of oral problems, from simply
extracting a loose tooth to addressing more serious conditions such as oral
tumors and cysts. It is also recommended for dental emergencies that require
bone and gum restructuring, as well as for the treatment of related illnesses
like sleep apnea.
Two of the most common oral surgery procedures are wisdom tooth extraction and dental implants in the Philippines.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is the procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. It is typically a day surgery done under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia.
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or
to prevent problems that may come up in the future. Some of the problems that
can occur when wisdom teeth come in are:
- Pain – The pain in the third molar area can be caused by different factors like tooth impaction, infection, tooth decay, gum swelling, etc. It is best to have a radiograph/x-ray of your teeth to help assess the source of your pain.
- Impacted – Generally, wisdom teeth become impacted because your jaw doesn’t have enough space for the teeth. Sometimes, the tooth grows in at the wrong angle, which can cause it to become impacted.
- Gum Inflammation – Pericoronitis is a dental disorder in which gum tissue becomes swollen and infected around the wisdom teeth. Pericoronitis can develop when wisdom teeth only partially erupt (break through the gum). This allows an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. In cases of pericoronitis, food or plaque (a bacterial film that remains on teeth after eating) may get caught underneath a flap of gum around the tooth. If it remains there, it can irritate the gum and lead to pericoronitis. If the pericoronitis is severe, the swelling and infection may extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks and neck.
- Teeth Crowding – As an impacted third molar continues to grow, it pushes the teeth next to it creating a domino effect thus (usually) crowding the front teeth.
- Bacterial Accumulation – Even when wisdom teeth grow in properly, the location can make the teeth harder to care for. This in turn can lead to the growth of more bacteria, and create health issues later in life.
- Tooth decay – Since third molars are located at the back of the mouth and very difficult to maintain its cleanliness, the bacteria build-up causes tooth decay which are usually located on the sides of the third molar. If not removed, the adjacent (tooth next to it) tooth might get affected and develop tooth decay as well.
- Dentigerous cyst – Dentigerous cysts are the second most common type of odontogenic cyst (tooth infection), which is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the jaw bone and soft tissue. They form over the top of an unerupted tooth, or partially erupted tooth, usually one of your molars or canines. While dentigerous cysts are benign, they can lead to complications, such as infection, if left untreated.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Procedure?
During the
procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to reveal the
tooth and underlying bone. Any bone that blocks the access to the tooth
root will be removed. Afterwards, the tooth will be broken down into pieces for
easy removal. Once the tooth has been completely removed, the wound is stitched
closed.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants refer to metal and screw-like fixtures that
act as a substitute for natural tooth root, allowing replacement teeth to be
secured in place. Much like wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants require
the patient to be placed under local or general anaesthesia.
Dental implants in the Philippines involve three phases:
- Placing the implant – The first phase involves the surgical placement of the dental implant in the jaw. Once done, the incision on the gums will be sutured closed over the implant.
Recovery takes 3 to 6 months, which also gives time for the underlying bone to grow around the implant. - Abutment – Once the implant is secured in place, the dentist will attach a post called an abutment on which the artificial tooth (crown) can be anchored.
- Crown attachment – The crown is then fixed to the implanted post.
Dental implants can improve one’s appearance, overall oral health, and the way that a person speaks. They also help prevent damage to the facial structure.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants in the
Philippines, in terms of placement:
- Endosteal – The implant is inserted into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal – The implant is placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. This is an option for patients who don’t have healthy jaws.
Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure when done by a skilled and qualified dentist. It has a success rate of up to 98%.
Other oral surgery procedures
Aside from wisdom tooth extraction and dental implants,
other oral surgery procedures include:
- Tooth extraction – The most common oral surgery, this involves the removal of the tooth for various reasons such as severe decay or breaks.
- Jaw realignment surgery – This procedure involves surgically repositioning the upper and lower jaw to correct alignment.
- Sleep apnoea surgery – Excess tissue from the back of the throat is removed, allowing the clear passage of air while sleeping.
- Apicoectomy – This procedure involves the removal of the tip of the tooth root, which is then replaced with a synthetic substance to stop tooth decay.
- Trigeminal nerve repair. This is a surgery that restores the functionality of the trigeminal nerves, which are responsible for chewing.
Oral problems can affect the way a person smiles, eats, drinks and speaks. Oral surgery performed at the best dental clinic in the Philippines can immediately improve one’s oral health, as well as quality of life.
Cillo Smile Design is a dental clinic in the Philippines that specializes in a range of oral surgery procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction and dental implant surgery. Schedule an appointment today at +632 7729 6674.
