What Are The Types of Dental Surgery?

While references to dental surgery may conjure up images of operating theatres and oral surgeons, there are a number of surgical procedures that are performed in dental offices and clinics. The nature of the dental issue will determine if the family dentist can manage the task, if a cosmetic dentist is needed, or if an oral surgeon is the right professional for the work. So what are the types of dental surgery? It’s possible to classify most procedures in one and occasionally two of the following types.

Prosthodontic Surgery

Prosthodontic dental surgery in Markham, Ontario has to do with the addition of dental prosthetics to improve, protect, or restore your teeth in some way. There are instances when a tooth cannot be saved. At that point, the purpose of this kind of dental surgery focuses on determining the right form of tooth replacement for the patient.

Many of the procedures that fall into this category are familiar to patients. They include the use of crowns and veneers to add strength to a damaged tooth. A crown is essentially a covering for the tooth that helps to restore the shape and protect the tooth from further damage due to chipping or cracking. Veneers are primarily used to improve the look of a tooth that has been damaged in some way and may be used in conjunction with crowns. Typically, this process will require some reshaping of the underlying tooth. Only a dental professional who is trained in surgical procedures will undertake the reshaping.

When the goal is to remove teeth that are no longer viable and replace them, this type of surgery will focus on helping the patient understand what can be done using bridges, dentures, or implants. Bridges are effective if there are still natural teeth than can serve as anchors for the devices. If not, dentures or one of the two forms of implants will be the remaining options.

Dental professionals can explain what goes into replacing each individual tooth with an implant. Those same professionals can determine if what is known as an All on Four implant procedure would be best for the patient. In the event that the patient’s bone density is not what it should be for one form of implant, there are processes to add strength and ensure the patient is a good candidate for at least one form of implant surgery.

Read more: What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Endodontic Surgery

This type of dental surgery is focused on the tooth root or the pulp that fills each tooth. At times, the procedure will be concerned with draining some type of infection. At other times, the procedure will have to do with the removal of some portion of the tooth that can no longer be repaired. It’s not unusual for this form of surgery to be a precursor to a root canal.

Two procedures within this category are of particular note. The pulpotomy is designed to create an opening in the pulp chamber found in each tooth. When an infection is present, that opening makes it possible for it to escape and hopefully expedite the healing.A pulpectomy involves removing the pulp from the tooth as a way to alleviate discomfort.

In the event that a root canal is still needed, it will likely involve what is known as an apicoectomy. This involves digging deeper into the socket and removing any lingering material that may be diseased by the infection. As with all dental procedures, the dental surgery cost will vary based on the number of procedures needed to correct the problem.

Read more: What's the Difference Between a Family Dentist and General Dentistry?

Orthodontic Surgery

This form of dental surgery in Markham, Ontario can also involve the insert of implants, but it more commonly has to do with correcting misalignments of teeth and dealing with irregularities of the jaw line. The goal is to achieve more than simply improving the appearance of the teeth by making sure they are aligned properly. This type of dental surgery also helps to improve the ability to chew food properly and prevent uneven wear on the teeth.

Orthodontic surgery may be necessary because the permanent teeth are crowded, grow in at angles rather than straight, or because the patient has been in some type of accident that loosened the teeth or knocked them out of proper alignment. This may involve procedures that help the teeth to settle back into the sockets, outfit the patient with braces to keep the teeth straight as they settle back into a proper position, or even the addition of some type of artificial teeth to prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place.

Periodontic Surgery

This form of dental surgery has to do with the tissue that supports the teeth. Irregularities with the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and even the bones can be corrected and ensure that the teeth have a stable foundation. In some cases, it may take more than one procedure to correct whatever issue has developed. When this is the case, the surgeon will talk with the patient about the nature of each procedure that must be used as part of the dental surgery, how long it will take to recover and what sort of results the patient can expect.

Read more: Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

This type of dental surgery helps to resolve injures that have to do with the mouth, the teeth, the gums, and the lower part of the face. Typically, a surgeon who specializes in this type of work is called in when the patient has sustained injuries that have led to severe disfigurement of the lower part of the face.

Factors That Apply to All Forms of Dental Surgery

All forms of dental surgery are designed to correct dental issues and in some cases improve the appearance of the teeth. Patients often have questions that would apply to all these procedures. Fortunately, dental professionals so have the answers.

Is dental surgery dangerous? There are risks involved with any procedure. Dental professionals take all possible precautions to prevent complications during and after the procedures.

How much does it cost for dental surgery? That will depend on the nature and complexity of the procedure(s) needed. It’s possible to project the dental surgery cost in advance with the aid of what’s sometimes referred to as an oral surgery procedures list. This is especially helpful if the patient will be paying for the dental work out of pocket.

Remember that dental surgery may involve a procedure that can be completed in a couple of hours and requires a short recuperative period, or be a procedure that will require most of the day and a week or more of recovery time. Discuss all aspects of the surgery with your dental professional and ask plenty of questions. That will help you understand how to prepare, what to expect during the recovery period, and how the surgery will improve your dental health in the long run.