Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery

When patients from throughout Miami, FL, suffer from tooth pain, Dr. Blanco provides through exams and diagnoses to determine if oral surgery is needed to correct the issue. Dr. Blanco performs some oral surgical procedures and has a close referral network of oral surgeons when specialist surgery is needed.

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth, and which cannot be treated effectively with nonsurgical approaches. Some of the most common types of oral surgery include wisdom tooth extractions and other complex extractions, gum grafts and recontouring, dental implant placement, bone grafting and reconstruction following traumatic injury or oral cancers.

Should wisdom teeth always be removed?

Certainly, wisdom teeth that are crooked or impacted (“stuck” under a neighboring tooth) need to be removed as soon as possible to prevent more serious problems from occurring. But even when wisdom teeth come in straight, having them extracted is generally a good idea. That's because wisdom teeth emerge after all the other teeth have already come in, and their location far back in the jaw makes them very difficult to keep clean. As a result, the teeth and surrounding gums become reservoirs for bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Having wisdom teeth removed makes it easier to keep these areas clean, reducing the risk of disease and decay in other back teeth.

Why would oral surgery be necessary?

There are a number of conditions that could require oral surgery, including the eruption of wisdom teeth, broken teeth, and open or incorrect bite, temporomandibular joint disorder, sleep apnea and more. The primary indicator that a dental or oral condition is present is pain. When patients experience pain in their teeth, jaw, or face, especially when it inhibits eating, sleeping, and normal day to day activities, they should make an appointment as soon as possible. Also, regular semi-annual dental checkups allow Dr. Blanco to monitor your teeth if any changes or early signs of dental issues are identified, treatment can begin earlier, potentially avoiding the need for surgery at all.

How is oral surgery performed?

That depends on the issue that's being addressed. Most surgical procedures are performed using sedation to enable patients to remain comfortable throughout the surgery. Sedation can be provided with oral medication or through an IV. The type of sedation will depend on the surgery that's being performed as well as the patient's health and other factors. Today's sedation techniques are extremely safe and effective, helping patients get the care they need without fear of pain.