Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures performed in and around the mouth and jaw area by dentists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These procedures may be necessary for various reasons, including dental health, facial aesthetics, and overall well-being.

 

Here are some common types of oral surgery:

 

1. Tooth Extraction: This is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Tooth extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, trauma, infection, crowding, or impacted wisdom teeth.

2. Wisdom Teeth Removal: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often require extraction because they may become impacted (unable to fully erupt through the gums) or cause issues such as pain, infection, or crowding of adjacent teeth.

3. Dental Implants: Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. They serve as artificial tooth roots for replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures) to restore function and aesthetics.

4. Bone Grafting: This procedure involves adding bone or bone-like materials to the jaw to build up its strength and volume. It is commonly done to prepare the jaw for dental implants or to improve jaw structure following bone loss.

5. Orthognathic Surgery: Also known as corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct jaw deformities that affect bite, chewing, speech, and facial appearance. It involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both.