What is dental surgery and when is it necessary?
Dental surgery encompasses a variety of medical procedures designed to treat disease, trauma and abnormalities of the mouth, teeth, jaws and surrounding tissues. It is often necessary to resolve problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, dental cysts, severe infections, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. It may also be required in cases of tooth loss to implant dentures.
How do I prepare for dental surgery?
Before surgery, it's essential to follow the dentist's instructions. This usually includes recommendations on taking medication, adjustments to your diet, and specific precautions related to anesthesia. It is also advisable to stop smoking a few weeks before the operation to promote healing.
What are the most common types of dental surgery?
Among the most common types of dental surgery are wisdom teeth extraction, dental implant placement, and reconstructive surgery after trauma. Procedures can range from simple extractions to complex operations involving modifications to the jawbone structure.
What modern technologies are used in dental surgery?
Dental surgery uses cutting-edge technologies such as digital radiography, CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography), computer-aided planning and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) for precise prosthetics. These technologies enable better visualization of dental structures and facilitate precise interventions.
What are the risks associated with dental surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, dental surgery presents risks such as infection, inflammation, bleeding and reactions to anesthesia. However, technological advances and strict asepsis procedures considerably reduce these risks.
What is the recovery period after dental surgery?
The recovery period varies according to the type of surgery performed. It can last from a few days to several weeks. During this period, it's crucial to follow your surgeon's advice on oral hygiene, diet and the use of medication to manage pain and prevent infection.
What impact does dental surgery have on quality of life?
Dental surgery can significantly improve quality of life by eliminating pain, restoring masticatory function and improving smile aesthetics. In addition, it can contribute to better overall health by eliminating sources of infection that can affect other parts of the body.
What's the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?
Dental implants are titanium structures surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. An artificial crown is then attached to the implant. Unlike implants, a bridge is a dental prosthesis that rests on adjacent teeth to replace one or more missing teeth. This technique often requires trimming of neighboring teeth, which is not the case with implants, thus preserving dental health over the long term.
How is bone grafting performed in dental surgery?
Bone grafting is necessary when the patient has insufficient bone to support an implant. The surgeon removes a fragment of bone, often from the chin or jaw area, or uses a substitute material. This graft is then implanted in the area requiring more bone volume. Healing can take several months, during which the grafted bone solidifies with the existing bone, creating a solid base for a future implant.
What is periodontal surgery and when is it performed?
Periodontal surgery treats diseases of the gums and peri-dental bone. It is often performed to eliminate deep periodontal pockets, correct gum recession, or regenerate bone lost around teeth affected by periodontitis. The aim of this procedure is to restore the health of the tissues supporting the teeth, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing tooth loss.
What post-operative care is recommended after major dental surgery?
After major dental surgery, it's crucial to follow a post-operative care protocol to promote rapid and effective healing. This includes resting, applying ice to reduce swelling, and taking prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory medication. It is also advisable to maintain impeccable oral hygiene, using appropriate techniques to avoid disturbing the operated areas. A soft diet that avoids extremely hot or spicy foods is also recommended.
What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct jaw anomalies that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. This procedure realigns the jaws to improve chewing function, speech and facial aesthetics. Orthognathic surgeries are complex and require careful planning, often in collaboration with an orthodontist, to ensure that the teeth will align correctly after surgery.
