Oral surgery is a type of dentistry focused on procedures in the mouth, jaw, and face. Oral surgeons go to dental school then spend additional years training in hospitals to become experts in anesthesia, surgery, and medicine on top of dentistry.
This allows them for complex procedures like wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw reconstruction, and even some facial cancer surgery. They can also treat sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from its socket in the jaw. It's done by dentists or oral surgeons for various reasons like severe decay, infection, crowding, or prep for braces.
There are two main extraction types: simple and surgical. Simple extractions involve visible teeth and are quicker. Surgical extractions involve impacted teeth (stuck under the gum) and require more effort, sometimes needing gum or bone tissue removal.
During the procedure, you'll get local anesthesia to numb the area. The dentist loosens the tooth and removes it with forceps. Stitches might be used to close the gum tissue. Recovery typically involves pain management, swelling reduction, and avoiding certain foods.
Wisdom tooth removal is a surgery to take out one or more wisdom teeth, the four permanent molars at the back of your mouth. They often get stuck (impacted) causing pain, infection, or crowding other teeth.
The dentist numbs the area with anesthesia. For impacted teeth, they may cut the gum and bone to remove them in pieces. Stitches may close the wound. Recovery takes about two weeks with swelling, soreness, and limited eating.
Full mouth extractions involve removing all of your teeth, upper and lower jaw. It's done by an oral surgeon under anesthesia. This procedure is usually a last resort for severe tooth decay, gum disease, or pre-denture preparation.
The surgery itself takes a few hours. Stitches close the gum tissue after the teeth are removed. Healing takes several months. Dentures, both temporary and permanent, are often part of the treatment plan.
