A number of conditions may require oral surgery, including:
Impacted TeethWisdom teeth, otherwise known as
third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. Sometimes these teeth emerge
from the gum line and the jaw is large enough to allow room for them, but most
of the time, this is not the case. More often, one or more of these third molars
fails to emerge in proper alignment or fails to fully emerge through the gum
line and becomes entrapped or "impacted" between the jawbone and the gum tissue.
Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling, pain, and infection of the gum
tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can
cause permanent damage to nearby teeth, gums, and bone and can sometimes lead to
the formation of cysts or tumors that can destroy sections of the jaw.
Therefore, dentists recommend people with impacted wisdom teeth have them
surgically removed.
It's not just wisdom teeth that sometimes become
impacted and need to be removed. Other teeth, such as the cuspids and the
bicuspids can become impacted and can cause the same types of problems described
with impacted wisdom teeth.
Tooth lossDental implants are an
option for tooth loss due to an accident or infection or as an alternative to
dentures. The implants are tooth root substitutes that are surgically anchored
in place in the jawbone and act to stabilize the artificial teeth to which they
are attached. Suitable candidates for dental implants need to have an adequate
bone level and density, must not be prone to infection, and must be willing to
maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Jaw-Related
Problems
Unequal jaw growth. In some individuals,
the upper and lower jaw fail to grow properly. This can cause difficulty in
speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing. While some of these problems ? like
improper teeth alignment ? can be corrected with braces and other orthodontic
appliances, more serious problems require oral surgery to move all or part of
the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both into a new position that is more balanced,
functional, and healthy.
Improve fit of dentures. For first-time
denture wearers, oral surgery can be done to correct any irregularities of the
jaws prior to creating the dentures to ensure a better fit. Oral surgery can
also help long-term denture wearers. Supporting bone often deteriorates over
time resulting in dentures that no longer fit properly. In severe cases, an oral
surgeon can add a bone graft to areas where little bone remains.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Dysfunction of the TMJ, the small joint in front of the ear where the skull and
lower jaw meet, is a common source of headache and facial pain. Most patients
with TMJ disorders can be successfully treated with a combination of oral
medications, physical therapy, and splints. However, joint surgery is an option
for advanced cases and when the diagnosis indicates a specific problem in the
joint
.
Other Conditions Treated By Oral
Surgery
Facial injury repair. Oral surgery is often used to fix fractured
jaws and broken facial bones.
Lesion removal and biopsy. Oral surgeons
can take a a small sample of abnormal growth or tissue and then send it for
laboratory testing for identification. Some lesions can be managed medically or
can be removed by the oral surgeon.
Cleft lip and cleft palate repair. Cleft
lip and cleft palate result when all or portions of the mouth and nasal cavity
do not grow together properly during fetal development. The result is a gap in
the lip and/or a split in the opening in the roof of the mouth. Oral surgeons
work as part of a team of healthcare specialists to correct these problems
through a series of treatments and surgical procedures over many years.
Facial infections. Pain and swelling in
the face, neck or jaws may indicate an infection. Infections in this area of the
body can sometimes develop into life-threatening emergencies if not treated
promptly and effectively. An oral surgeon can assist in diagnosing and treating
this problem. Surgical treatment, if needed, may include cutting into and
draining the infected area as well as extracting any teeth that might be
involved.
Snoring/sleep apnea. When conservative
methods fail to alleviate this problem, surgery can be tried. Surgical
procedures involve removing the soft tissues of the oropharynx (an area in the
back portion of the mouth) or the lower jaw. Laser surgery is a newer treatment
option. Depending on the surgical technique used, the laser is used to either
slowly scar the palate, which tightens it, or to remove palate tissue.
Bioplant HTR is a patented nonresorbable co-polymer derived
from a proprietary process combining polymethylmethacrylate ("PMMA") and
polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate ("PHEMA"). Additionally, it contains very thin
layers of barium sulfate (for radiopacity) and calcium hydroxide/carbonate which
is the direct interface with bone.
Since this polymerization reaction
occurs in the production laboratory, there is no heat generated in the tissues,
and no chance of monomer contamination.
While part of Bioplant HTR?s
composition is PMMA (acrylic), it should not be confused with the traditional
properties and implant experience associated with pure acrylic materials. The
synergy of Bioplant HTR?s components results in a unique combination of physical
properties not previously seen in any one bone substitute material (porosity,
hydrophilicity, negative surface charge, user-friendly and strength). This
combination gives the material its unique and beneficial characteristics which
make it osteopromotive (i.e., promotes bone and soft tissue growth).
