Surgical Procedures
Dental Implants North Dallas
 Surgical procedures are a crucial aspect of dentistry. Oral surgeries are often necessary to correct oral conditions, treat dental diseases, and improve the smile of a patient. Even so, many people get spooked by the prospect of dental surgeries due to a fear of pain and discomfort. At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, we aim to deliver safe and comfortable surgical treatments that prioritize the experience of our patients and hasten their recovery. If you need a surgical operation to enhance your smile or dental function, our experienced oral surgeons are happy to help.
Conditions That Necessitate Dental Surgery
Generally speaking, no one likes to undergo dental surgery if they can help it. However, while most dental issues can be resolved or managed without the need for a surgical operation, there are cases when oral surgery is simply a must.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to grow in the oral cavity. They are located far back in your upper and lower jaw. In most cases, wisdom teeth emerge through the gums without causing any complications. However, in some instances, they may cause problems for a patient, necessitating their surgical removal.
A common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when wisdom teeth emerge from the gums at an angle, causing them to push against the gum or teeth next to them. Impacted wisdom teeth not only cause tremendous pain but can also make brushing extremely difficult. They can also cause injuries to the gums and cheeks, potentially causing infections. If you are experiencing any of these issues due to an impacted wisdom tooth, our oral surgeons, John D. Wallace, DDS, MD and , may recommend a tooth extraction procedure to provide relief.
Tooth Loss
While some consider lost teeth a minor convenience, the ramifications of not replacing missing teeth can be severe. When you lose a tooth, the remaining ones will start shifting to compensate for the gap created by the missing one. Unfortunately, this strains your remaining teeth and can weaken their roots, potentially causing them to loosen or fall off entirely.
The most common surgical procedure to restore missing teeth is dental implants. This treatment involves the surgical implantation of a titanium rod into the jawbone to act as a dental root. The implant is then left to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Once healed after a few months, a dental crown made from porcelain or composite resin is placed on the implant to replace the missing tooth.
Jaw Bone Deterioration
The jawbone plays a vital role in supporting teeth. Without a healthy jawbone, you may struggle to perform routine everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking. The jawbone also maintains the overall shape of your face. Without teeth, your gums start to break down, giving your face a sunken look as you get older.
One common condition that often contributes to jaw bone loss is periodontal disease. While this condition usually starts at the gums, it can deteriorate your teeth and jawbone if not treated early. Similarly, missing teeth can increase the rate of jaw bone loss. Your jaw relies on the stimulation it receives from your teeth when chewing to stay healthy and strong. When you have missing teeth, the parts of your jaw where the teeth used to be do not receive this stimulation. As a result, your jaw may begin to wear out in those areas.
Whatever the cause of jaw bone loss, bone grafts are almost always required to remedy the problem. Bone grafting involves the replacement of missing or deteriorated jaw bone tissue with donor tissue. The donor tissue will likely come from your own body, though other options are available. Once the new tissue is grafted, it grows as part of your jawbone.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. These breathing interruptions occur when the muscles at the back of your throat collapse and block your airway. Common symptoms reported by individuals suffering from sleep apnea include excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, labored breathing during sleep, and insomnia.
Mild cases of sleep apnea can often be managed by lifestyle adjustments such as frequent exercise, losing weight, and cutting down on alcohol and cigarette intake. Wearing a sleep apnea mouth guard or using a CPAP machine can also help keep your airway open during sleep and manage your symptoms.
However, in more severe cases, surgery might be the only option. Our oral surgeons may recommend various surgical treatments depending on your situation. A popular surgical procedure used to treat sleep apnea is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This procedure involves the surgical excision of parts of the uvula to shorten your soft palate. Removing excess tissue from the soft palate opens up more space in your airway for more comfortable breathing during sleep.
Current Trends in Oral Surgical Procedures
One of the most significant developments in surgical dentistry is the increased adoption of minimally invasive procedures. Traditional approaches to oral surgery involve extensive incisions, which can cause complications like severe pain, excessive bleeding, and swelling. However, with innovative new technologies and surgical techniques, oral surgeons can perform vital procedures without inflicting much trauma on patient oral tissues.
For instance, a common trend in dental implant procedures is the use of modern impression technologies like digital optical and laser scanners to capture digital impressions of your mouth and teeth. They eliminate the need for conventional impression materials that can cause gagging or discomfort. They also generate more precise 3D models of your mouth, which makes it possible to create dental implants that are a perfect fit.
Another trend gaining traction in dental implantology is guided dental implant surgery. This involves using advanced digital technology to plan and execute the placement of dental implants. Typically, our oral surgeons will use 3D images of your mouth to create a surgical guide for implant placement. This minimally invasive approach ensures accurate placement of dental implants and reduces the risk of complications.
Choose the Right Oral Surgeon Today
If you have a dental condition that you suspect might require surgery, visit Dallas Oral Surgery Associates for quality treatment and care. You can also call us at for a consultation with our expert oral surgeons. |
