Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Overview

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty that treats diseases, injuries and defects in the hard and soft tissues in the region of head, neck, face, jaws by surgical means.To name a few, dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, facial reconstruction, lesion removal and biopsy are procedures that are included in this specialty.

Dentoalveolar Surgery involves management of diseases of the teeth and their supporting hard and soft tissues using surgical methods. Dental Extractions is the most common procedure carried out at a dental clinic.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of an extraction would depend upon the cause. It may prevent further infection from spreading thereby reducing recurrent discomfort and pain.

Extractions may also be advised prior to orthodontic/ prosthetic treatment in order to achieve better results.

Who needs a Dental Extraction?

All efforts must be made to save the natural dental structures, however it may get necessary to undergo a procedure that involves an extraction ora similar intervention.

The following are the indications for an extraction:

• Grossly decayed teeth
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Loose/ mobile teeth
• Teeth associated with infection
• Retained milk teeth
• Prior to Orthodontic treatment
• Prior to Prosthetic treatment

How is the procedure done?

Pain associated with the extractions is the most common concern of the patient. At our dental clinic, we ensure that the procedure is carried out in a painless manner and with minimal discomfort.

Before the procedure a thorough medical and dental history is taken. All medicines must be listed down to ensure an uncomplicated healing process after the procedure. Patients suffering from diabetes, heart diseases or pregnant must notify the dentist in advance.

The dentist may also advice for an X-ray of the region to visualize the anatomy, any infection, and proximity of the teeth to the nerve/ sinuses.

Just before the extraction, the dentist will numb the region with a local anesthetic agent to make sure that the patient experiences no pain. Once numb, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and removes the tooth using a forcep. In some complex procedures, the dentist might need to make a small cut in the gum to expose the tooth and remove it.

During a procedure, the patient can expect to feel pressure, but no pain. In some cases, after extractions stitches may be required to assist in healing. The duration and amount of discomfort depends upon complexity of the procedure. The dentist prescribes necessary medications to keep the patient comfortable.

NOTE: The dentist will provide a list of detailed instructions on what to do and what to expect after the procedure.Do not hesitate to speak to your doctor in case you have any concerns.