Beyond the Basics: Comprehensive Oral Surgery Services
Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures aimed at addressing various dental health issues, from correcting jaw-related disorders to removing teeth and more. At Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, our skilled oral surgeons are well-equipped to perform a variety of surgeries using advanced techniques and anesthesia options to ensure patient comfort and safety. Let’s explore the different types of oral surgery offered at our practice and what each procedure involves.
Tooth Extractions
One of the most common forms of oral surgery is tooth extraction, which involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are typically necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and cannot be saved, or when there is overcrowding in the mouth.
An oral surgeon will administer appropriate anesthesia — ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case — and then use specialized tools to gently extract the tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. Often, they become impacted or fail to erupt properly into the mouth, causing pain, swelling, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
Wisdom tooth removal is a type of extraction that specifically targets these molars. The oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, removes any bone that blocks access to the tooth root, divides the tooth into sections if necessary, and removes the tooth. Sedation options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation are commonly used to enhance patient comfort.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones.
This surgical procedure involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone beneath the gum line, which allows the oral surgeon to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. Dental implants are known for their durability and the seamless way they fit into a patient’s oral anatomy, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement.
Jaw Surgery
Also known as orthognathic surgery, jaw surgery corrects irregularities in the jaw bones, realigns the jaws and teeth to improve the way they work, and often improves the patient’s facial appearance.
This type of surgery is usually performed by an oral surgeon under general anesthesia. It may involve cutting and realigning the bones, and then securing them with plates or screws. This procedure is often necessary for patients with malocclusion that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.
Biopsy
A biopsy involves the removal of a small section of tissue from the mouth or jaws to be examined under a microscope. It’s an essential procedure for diagnosing diseases, including oral cancer.
The oral surgeon will remove a small piece of tissue from the affected area under local anesthesia. This sample is then sent to a lab to check for signs of disease.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. It can be performed when the frenulum is too tight or abnormally positioned, which can cause issues such as gaps between teeth, speech difficulties, or eating issues.
This procedure is typically quick and can be performed under local anesthesia. The oral surgeon makes a small cut to release or remove the frenulum and then stitches the area if necessary.
Anesthesia Options
At Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we prioritize patient comfort and safety during all surgical procedures. Our team includes an anesthesiologist, and we offer various forms of anesthesia, including:
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this helps patients relax during their procedure.
- Local Anesthesia: Numbs the specific area of the mouth where the surgery will take place.
- General Anesthesia with IV Sedation: Used for more complex surgeries, this type of anesthesia makes patients completely unconscious during the procedure.
Ready for a Change? Contact Our Oral Surgeons
Oral surgery can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life by addressing and correcting dental issues that affect their health, appearance, and comfort. At Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery in San Dimas, our experienced oral surgeons are here to ensure that you receive the highest standard of care, whether you need a simple tooth extraction or more complex jaw surgery. If you’re looking for an expert oral surgeon, contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health.
