Different Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

Oral surgery encompasses many surgical procedures performed on the mouth, throat, and jaw to diagnose, treat, and manage various dental or oral conditions. From routine tooth extractions to complex jaw reconstructions, oral surgery plays a pivotal role in obtaining and maintaining oral health.

Tooth extractions

Possibly, one of the most common forms of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Technically, there are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are reserved for teeth that fully emerge above the gum line and are easily accessible. It involves using dental forceps to loosen the tooth from its socket and pull it free without creating incisions.

Oral surgeons focus on surgical extractions, meaning that a tooth, such as an impacted wisdom tooth, needs to be cut from its socket in the jawbone. Surgical extractions may also be necessary for broken teeth, severe tooth decay, infection, crowding, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment.

Orthognathic surgery

Oral surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, to correct significant jaw irregularities that affect bite function, facial aesthetics, and overall oral health. This oral surgery is often used to treat malocclusion (misalignment of teeth and jaws), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, congenital disabilities, and facial trauma.

There are three types of orthognathic surgery: maxillary osteotomy, mandibular osteotomy, and genioplasty, otherwise known as corrective chin surgery. Each oral surgery involves repositioning and realigning the bones in the upper and lower jaws to improve chewing, speech, breathing, and facial symmetry. The procedures can include incisions within the gum line and jawbones to remove parts or installing metal plates, wires, or screws to stabilize the jaw.

Gum Surgery

Gum surgery, also known as periodontal surgery, focuses on treating gum disease that has progressed beyond the help of antibiotics and scaling and root planing. It can also restore and reshape gum tissue and address gum recession. An oral surgeon may suggest a few gum surgeries: frenectomy, gingivectomy, gum grafting, and crown lengthening.

Frenectomy

This oral surgery can be performed on children and adults and involves removing the frenum, a connective tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gums. The oral surgeon will perform this if the frenum is enlarged and causing gaps in the teeth.

Gingivectomy

This oral surgery involves the removal of excess gum tissue to treat gum disease or create a more aesthetically pleasing gum line.

Gum grafting

This oral surgery aims to cover exposed tooth roots, treat gum recession, and improve the appearance and health of gum tissue.

Crown lengthening

This oral surgery involves removing gum tissue and bone to expose more of a tooth's structure, often necessary for restoring a broken or decayed tooth.