Oral Surgery and Periodontology

Oral surgery is a specialty of dentistry that includes a wide range of surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face and related structures. These surgeries can be performed for functional, aesthetic or health reasons.

Here are some of the common oral surgical procedures:

Dental extractions: This is a surgical procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth from its dental socket. It may require extraction of a damaged, decayed, impacted or nonfunctional tooth.
Gum surgery: This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Gum surgery may involve removal of infected or inflamed gum tissue, reduction of periodontal pockets, or regeneration of damaged bone tissue.
Jawbone surgery: This procedure is performed to correct bone defects in the jaw, such as bone reconstruction, increased bone volume, or correction of jaw asymmetries.
Dental implants: Dental implants are surgical devices used to replace missing teeth. During the dental implant procedure, an oral surgeon inserts a titanium post into the maxillary or mandibular bone, which will act as an artificial root to support a dental crown or denture.
Pre-prosthetic surgery: This procedure is performed before fitting a denture to prepare the mouth for proper placement of the denture. It may involve removal of soft tissue or bone, alignment of the remaining teeth, or modification of the gums.
Orthognathic surgery: This procedure is performed to correct problems of malocclusion or abnormal jaw position. It involves surgical correction of the upper and/or lower jaw to improve chewing function, cosmetic appearance and overall health.

Oral surgery can be performed using different techniques, such as local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s needs.

It is essential to consult with a qualified and specialized oral surgeon to determine the need for a specific oral surgical procedure. The oral surgeon will carefully assess your clinical situation, discuss treatment options, and explain the potential risks and benefits of the surgical procedure.

Periodontology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal diseases, which involve the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the gums, alveolar bone, root cementum, and periodontal ligament.

Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The most common form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, in which there is a loss of the supporting tissue of the teeth.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in periodontology and is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. The periodontist uses a variety of tools and techniques to assess periodontal health, such as measuring periodontal pockets, radiographic examination, and analysis of tooth mobility. Based on the diagnosis, the periodontist develops an individualized treatment plan for the patient.

Periodontal treatments may include:

Advanced oral hygiene: This may involve professional tooth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, instruction on proper brushing and flossing, and the use of specific oral hygiene products.
Root scraping and polishing: This treatment aims to remove plaque and tartar that accumulate on the roots of teeth below the gum line.
Laser therapy: The use of high-intensity lasers can be used to remove bacteria and promote healing of periodontal tissues.
Periodontal surgery: In advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgery may be necessary to correct periodontal defects, reduce periodontal pockets, or regenerate damaged bone tissue.
Maintenance therapy: After treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and undergo regular checkups to monitor periodontal health and prevent recurrence of disease.

Periodontology plays a crucial role in overall oral health, as periodontal disease can not only lead to tooth loss, but has also been associated with systemic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy.

If you suspect you have periodontal disease or want to prevent its occurrence, you should consult a periodontist for proper evaluation and treatment. The periodontist will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan to preserve the health of the supporting tissues of the teeth.