Tooth and Gum Surgery

Tooth and gum surgery involve a number of procedures that address infections or diseases in the teeth, gum or jawbones. The word ‘surgery’ often evokes fear and panic in patients. However, dental surgery is more common than many patients realize.

An oral surgeon generally assesses your mouth to determine whether you require surgery. Some of the most common types of tooth and gum surgeries include:

Root Canal

Root canal treatment saves teeth from extraction and provides relief from pain and sensitivity. It is generally performed under local anesthesia, making it a pain-free procedure. 

Dental pulp is the soft core of a tooth that lies beneath the tooth enamel. It contains nerve endings, blood vessels, and tissue. In case of a bacterial infection, the bacteria may penetrate the soft pulp, causing pain and swelling. A root canal surgery is used to extract the decayed pulp to relieve pain and prevent the infection from spreading.

Gum Grafts

Gum recession is a condition where tissue surrounding a tooth pulls away and exposes tooth root to damage and infection. It is a common dental issue that impacts around 4%-12% of adults globally. 

A gum tissue graft repairs damage caused by gum recession and prevents dental problems in the future. During a gum graft, your dentist carefully attaches new tissue to an area where there is little or no gum tissue left due to gum recession. The tissue used in the procedure is usually taken from the palate, that is, the roof of your mouth.

Dental Implants

A dental implant serves as a replacement for a lost tooth. It is carried out by placing a titanium rod in the missing tooth socket in order to make it naturally fuse with your jawbone.

The implant serves as a robust foundation for an artificial tooth. A dental implant looks and feels just like your natural tooth. Moreover, it is low-maintenance and can be cared for in the same way as other teeth in the mouth, that is, by brushing and flossing regularly. 

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic dental surgery procedures are not always medical necessities, and are often opted for just in order to improve your smile or appearance. They are usually pain-free and can be performed in your dentist’s clinic without requiring a specialized oral surgeon.

Cosmetic dental procedures may include dental veneers, teeth whitening techniques, composite restoration, or bonding. Dental veneers and bonding are generally used to rectify stained teeth or teeth discoloration, while dental crowns are used to replace decayed or damaged teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are four molars that are located all the way in the back of your mouth, with two in the upper jaw and two in the bottom jaw. They generally erupt between the age of 17 and 25, making them the last teeth to emerge.

When wisdom teeth lack space to grow, they may become impacted, resulting in pain and oral infections. Dentists often suggest wisdom teeth removal in order to prevent dental issues. 

Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient process that typically takes a few days to heal. During the procedure, a dentist makes surgical incisions to remove the tooth, and then stitches back the area to facilitate recovery.

Whether you seek a major dental procedure or a cosmetic surgery, latest advancements in dental technology have made them all possible. If you are suffering from toothache, tooth sensitivity, or gum bleeding, schedule an appointment with us at ComfortCare Dental by calling us at our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices today.