Signs You Need Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is sometimes necessary for restoring and maintaining proper dental health. The surgery can help treat oral infections and diseases and restore teeth functionality. Also, oral surgery can help correct defects in the jaws, face, or mouth, such as abnormal growth.

Knowing when you need oral surgery or whether you’re a good candidate for a procedure isn't always easy. However, by understanding the warning signs of when it's time to seek oral surgery, you can address any potential issues early on before they become a major problem. Read on to learn the most common signs you might need to visit an oral surgeon.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can significantly impact one's overall health and confidence. It can cause difficulty in speaking and chewing and negatively affect one's self-esteem. If left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to gum disease and bone loss in the jaw, causing the remaining teeth to become loose and potentially fall out.

Oral surgery procedures such as dental implants can help replace missing teeth to alleviate pain or discomfort and restore a patient's oral health. Consult an oral surgeon first to determine the best treatment for your missing teeth.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth occur when a tooth fails to emerge fully from the gum line or gets blocked by surrounding teeth. The most common teeth to become impacted are your wisdom teeth, which emerge later on in life. You might have impacted teeth if you notice bad breath, jaw pain, swollen gums, or prolonged headache.

Impacted teeth can cause various dental issues, including gum inflammation, pain, infection, dentigerous cysts, and even damage to other teeth. Also, damage can occur to adjacent teeth, leading to decay and misalignment.

Oral surgery is often required to remove impacted teeth and prevent further dental problems. Thus, seek oral surgery for overall oral health and well-being.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw's movement and the ability to chew, speak, and yawn. They can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, clicking or popping sounds, and locking of the jaw. If unaddressed, TMJ disorders can result in chronic jaw pain, joint damage and inflammation, recurring headaches and migraines, and airway sleep disorders. 

For people with severe cases of TMJ, oral surgery may be necessary. The surgery is often used to correct structural abnormalities in the jaw joint causing the symptoms. By improving the function of the jaw joint, oral surgery can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.

Facial Infections

Facial infections occur when bacteria or viruses enter an open wound in the mouth or infect the sinuses. Common types of facial infections include cellulitis, abscesses, and dental infections. Cellulitis and abscesses are caused by bacteria that enter the skin through small cuts or scratches, whereas dental infections occur when bacteria infect a tooth or gum tissue. 

If you have facial infections, contact an oral surgeon promptly, as the infections can rapidly progress to other areas of the body. Oral surgery can help eliminate the underlying cause of the infection, whether a damaged or infected tooth, cyst, or severe gum disease. 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, interrupting breathing during sleep. In many cases, the problem originates from obstructive tissues in certain structures in the mouth, such as the tongue, tonsils, or soft palate. Sleep apnea can often lead to restless nights and exhaustion during the day for those having it.

Oral surgery can help resolve these issues by removing or repositioning the obstructive tissue, opening the airway, and improving breathing capabilities. The surgery can provide much-needed relief and a better quality of life. However, consult a qualified oral surgeon if you're suffering from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders to determine if this treatment option is right for you. 

If you suffer from any of these conditions and need oral surgery, consult a reputable oral surgeon. Contact Cruz Davis Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for high-quality general and specialized dental services such as oral surgery.