Oral Surgery is a specialty within dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and adjacent organs. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, as they are properly called, perform surgery to correct a wide range of problems such as those which affect the lips, cheeks, gums, or jaws as well as many others.
It involves surgery of the teeth, oral cavity, jaws, and facial structures. Treatments are aimed at restoring normal function to the mouth and also appearance where that is affected by disease or trauma. They must be able to recognize all conditions that can affect the area, to know what investigations are necessary prior to surgery and how best to carry out procedures.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is not one of the recognized specialties within dentistry, like endodontics or periodontology. Rather it is a specialty of general surgery. Though oral surgeons are trained in dentistry they must complete an additional four years of surgical residency to become fully qualified.
Benefits Of Oral Surgery Procedures
1. Improves Ability To Chew And Swallow
Some dental issues like missing teeth, receding gums, or worn enamel can make it difficult for patients to enjoy their usual diet. Oral surgery procedures, such as the installation of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and gum reshaping, help patients to eat comfortably by restoring their mouths to optimal health. This reduces the risk of developing problems like malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.
2. Restores A Youthful Appearance
Oral surgery procedures, such as facial rejuvenation or smile makeovers, can help patients to regain a more youthful appearance that they may have lost over time. By correcting irregularities in the mouth, these procedures reduce visible signs of aging for a more vibrant, healthy appearance. In some cases, they can even reduce the need for invasive plastic surgery.
3. Restores Confidence And Self-Esteem
Many oral conditions can have a debilitating effect on a patient’s self-esteem and sense of confidence. They may be unable to smile or speak comfortably, leading them to avoid social situations. Oral surgery procedures, such as facial reconstruction or dental implant placement, can help restore a more confident and self-assured appearance. This is particularly important for people living in job markets where meeting clients face-to-face is an integral part of their career.
4. Eliminates The Need For Dentures Or Partial Dentures
Many patients find themselves reliant on removable dental appliances, such as dentures or partial dentures. These devices can make it difficult to speak and eat comfortably. Patients may also feel self-conscious about their appearance without them in place. Oral surgery procedures like full or partial denture reline services eliminate the need for these appliances by restoring both function and form to the mouth. Patients can enjoy their favorite foods and smile with greater ease, all without feeling self-conscious about their appearance.
5. Improves The Ability To Chew And Swallow
Oral surgery procedures like corrective jaw surgery can improve a person’s ability to chew and swallow food comfortably. Without these conditions, patients may develop problems like malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.
6. Improves The Look Of The Face
Oral surgery procedures, such as chin augmentation or cheek augmentation can help improve the look of a person’s face for a more vibrant, healthy appearance. In addition to enhancing facial symmetry and proportion, these procedures can even reduce the need for other invasive cosmetic procedures.
7. Aids In The Prevention Of Oral And Dental Disease
The structures of the mouth can be greatly compromised by oral and dental disease, leading to discomfort, infection, and poor overall health. Oral surgery procedures like gum disease treatment help prevent this deterioration so patients can enjoy firm, healthy gums that are strong enough to fight off infection.
Who Is It For?
Oral surgery procedures, such as facial reconstruction and dental implant placement, are for anyone who’s looking to enhance the overall health and appearance of their smile. Whether a person is feeling self-conscious about their smile or simply wants to improve their oral hygiene routine, oral surgery can help put them on the path towards a healthier mouth.
Oral surgery procedures have many benefits, including restoring a more youthful appearance, improving the ability to chew and swallow, reducing the need for removable dental appliances, strengthening gum health, fighting off infection, and reviving self-esteem in the process. People who are looking to enhance their smile should contact their dentist or cosmetic surgeon for an evaluation of their oral health and a custom plan for improving it.