5 Most Common Dental Surgeries: What to Expect

Many people experience fear when they hear about dental surgeries, even though they are often essential for preserving oral health. Knowing what to expect guarantees a better experience and helps one to overcome worries. 

Many patients, meanwhile, are unaware that dental surgery is somewhat frequent and involves treatments for disorders that many people have and experience. Every patient is unique; hence, every situation is handled accordingly.

Dental surgery is typically regarded as an outpatient operation, and patients should usually be able to resume regular activity in a few days.

This blog article will explore the five most common dental surgeries, their techniques, and expected recovery.

Why Do We Need Dental Surgeries?

In order to keep oral health at its best and avoid more significant consequences, dental procedures are necessary. And the best dental surgical instruments are required to efficiently perform the surgeries. 

Below are the common reasons to perform dental surgeries;

• Pain Relief

Many dental procedures are carried out to relieve problems such as tooth decay, infections, or impacted wisdom teeth-related discomfort.

• Preventing Infection

Surgeries can help stop infections that can travel to other bodily areas.

• Enhanced Capacity

Bridges and dental implants can restore chewing ability and clear speech.

• Improved Appearance

Dental work may improve the look of your smile, therefore increasing your confidence.

• Avoidance of Next Issues

Early tooth problems addressed by surgery assist in avoiding more major difficulties down the road.

Regular dentist visits help you find any possible tooth issues and go over suitable treatment solutions. Dental treatments can enhance your overall well-being and oral health.

5 Common Dental Surgeries

1. Tooth Extraction

It is a widely adopted tooth removal procedure to extract a tooth, either due to severe decay, infection, or injury.

Many dentists prefer to save natural teeth as much as possible. However, extractions are sometimes the only viable option to preserve oral health. 

Although, some dentistry specialists recommend wisdom tooth extraction as a preventative measure. It reduces your risk for cavities, bone loss, and other problems.

Procedure:

• Local anesthetic numbs the region surrounding the tooth.
• Usually working with dentistry tools, forceps, or elevators, the dentist gently removes the tooth.
• If required, the extraction site can close with sutures

Recovery:

• For the first three hours, some bleeding is usual.
• Painkillers sold over the counter can help control discomfort.
• Swelling is common and might peak a few days following the surgery.
• For a few days, avoid hot, crunchy, or hard meals.
• Using a salt water rinse, gently clean the surrounding extraction site.

2. Root Canal Therapy- Common dental surgeries 

Root canal treatment is the process used to save a damaged or infected tooth.

Most people agree it is the most often performed kind of dental surgery. Every year, millions of teeth are treated; many of them are spared extractions, and pain and sensitivity are relieved. Root canals are usually pain-free and quite successful for pain treatment.

Procedure:

• To reach the compromised pulp, the dentist drills a tiny hole in the tooth.
• Then remove the compromised or damaged pulp.
• The root canals get cleansed and sterilized.
• Common dental surgery instruments are used
• Gutta-perch (a rubber-like substance) used to fill the canals.
• To guard a treated tooth, a crown is sometimes worn atop it.

Recover:

• The tooth could be cold or hot temperature sensitive for a while
• Do good care while chewing, especially save the tread tooth
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort

3. Dental Implants

Over the past 25 years, dental implants have transformed the field of dentistry. It is one of the most common dental surgeries to secure the tooth.

To restore function to a smile that has lost teeth, a dentist might surgically insert dental implants, which act as replacement roots for natural teeth.

An implant can replace a tooth’s root or roots. They secure titanium and titanium alloy crowns to the jawbone. 

Procedure:

• The implant inserted in the jawbone
• Over many months, the implant integrates with the jawbone.
• Abutment is Attached to the implant
• The abutment is then fitted with a crown created to order

Recovery:

• swelling is the major issue after dental implant
• Painkillers sold over the counter can help control and relieve the pain
• Throughout the healing phase, one should follow a soft diet.
• Do brush softly around the implant site

4. Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is a procedure to remove the four wisdom teeth, which are located at the back of the mouth.

Procedure:

• Wisdom tooth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
• The dentist carefully removes the wisdom tooth or teeth.
• Sutures may be used to close the extraction sites.

Recovery:

• Swelling is common and may peak a few days after the procedure.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods for a few days.
• Gently clean the area around the extraction site with a saltwater rinse.

5. Orthodontic Surgery

Orthodontic surgery is a procedure to correct severe jaw misalignment or other orthodontic problems.

Procedure:

• The surgeon moves the jaw into a more correct position.
• Bone may be reshaped or added to create a more balanced facial profile.
• After surgery, braces or retainers may be used to maintain the new alignment.

Recovery:

• Swelling is common and may peak a few days after the procedure.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
• During the healing process, you should eat a soft diet.
• Brush and floss gently around the surgical area.

To Wrap Up

Dental surgeries, while often necessary, can be a source of anxiety for many. By understanding the common dental surgeries, expected outcomes, pre and post-care treatment tips, individuals can better prepare themselves for these treatments.

FAQs

What is the most common dental surgery? 

Tooth extraction is the most common dental surgery.

Do common dental surgeries hurt? 

Dental surgeries are performed under anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort or pain afterward.

How long does it take to recover from dental surgery? 

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual’s healing process. Most people can expect to recover fully within a few weeks.