OVERVIEW
Oral surgery encompasses all operations performed on the teeth, jaw, gums, or the surrounding oral and facial structure.
It is commonly performed to remove decayed or damaged teeth, to extract an impacted wisdom tooth, to prepare the mouth for dentures, to place dental implants, and to repair jaw problems.Â
TYPES
Different Types of Oral Surgery
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is one of the most common types of oral surgery. This is performed to treat:
- extensive tooth decay that can no longer be saved
- severe mobility caused by gum disease
- dental traumatic injuries
- overcrowding of teeth as a preparation prior to definitive treatments such as braces
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge during a later stage of development, typically between the ages of 18 and 21. They are situated last, at the back of the upper and lower dental arches. Frequently, there is insufficient room for them to erupt properly, leading to impacted teeth.
Impacted teeth cause a variety of problems such as pain, infection, swelling, damage to the adjacent teeth, crowding of teeth, TMJ disorders such as clicking and lockjaw, etc.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are the most reliable and permanent replacement to a missing tooth. Medical-grade titanium threaded posts are embedded into the bone, allowing for bone integration and remodeling. Once the implants have healed, they are restored with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dental Bone Graft
A dental bone graft is used to treat bone loss in a patient’s jaw. This type of oral surgery restores the volume and density in the jawbone to allow for dental implants to be placed in the future. A dental bone graft also provides a solid foundation to keep the teeth strong and healthy.
Periodontal Surgery
OUR PROCEDURE
How it Works
01
Appointment for Orthodontic Check-Up and Diagnostic Records
The first step to getting braces is to book an appointment for orthodontic records. These records are a vitally important part of the treatment process as they will provide the orthodontist with clear information about the patient to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for them.
To have an orthodontic record, a patient would have to go through the following procedures:
- History Taking
- Clinical Examination
- Diagnostic Photos
- Radiographs
- Panoramic X-Ray – fully visualize the entire upper and lower teeth and jaws. This gives information about jawbone, roots, and jaw joint as well as evaluating for presence of extra teeth, impacted teeth or missing teeth.
- Cephalometric X-Ray – it provides important information regarding the skeletal profile and the position of the jaws and teeth. It also provides a baseline starting point to monitor growth in younger patients.
- Model Casts of the Teeth
02
Discussion of the Current Oral Condition
During this point of the process, the dentist provides an in-depth discussion of the present condition of the patient’s teeth as well as the treatment plan and objectives that were developed for the patient. This is also when the cost of the procedure is presented to the patient.
03
Installation of Braces
The installation process starts with teeth cleaning. Afterward, a cheek retractor is used to retract the cheeks and lips, making it easier to visualize the patient’s teeth. The bonding cement is then placed on the back sides of the brackets and then placed at a very precise position on the teeth.Â
After placing the brackets, a laser light machine is used to harden and cure the cement. The entire installation procedure can range between 1 hour to 2 hours.
04
Adjustment of Braces
The adjustment of dental braces is a monthly procedure that allows the dentist to evaluate the patient’s tooth movement and provide the necessary recommendations to move forward with the treatment.
A normal adjustment appointment may include the following:
- Removal of the colored rubber ligaties, or opening of the bracket that holds the archwire.
- Removal of the wires on the brackets
- A check-up on the current progress of the tooth movement
- Application of new archwires depending on the progress and recommendation of the dentist
- Placement of new colored rubber ligaties, or closing of the brackets
Since the changes in tooth movement require a minimum of 3 weeks to take effect, most adjustment appointments are made in the 3 to 8-week range.Â
It is not unusual for a patient to feel discomfort during and immediately after the adjustment. The discomfort and soreness are usually a result of tooth movement due to the recent change of archwire or adjustments in the archwire.
The recommendations for managing the discomfort are the same as when braces were first applied. Typically, the pain usually subsides over the next 3 to 5 days after the adjustment.
05
Removal of Braces
The process of removing braces and the adhesive is relatively painless. However, it is possible to feel discomfort since some of the teeth, especially the lower front teeth, may still be sensitive to pressure.Â
After the braces have been removed, the adhesive remaining on the teeth must also be removed. This is usually done with a slow or high-speed dental handpiece.
06
Placement of retainers
The dentists will recommend the best type of retainer for the patient from the following types of retainers:
- Removable Hawley or Begg Wrap-around wire retainers
- Removable Clear Plastic retainers
- Bonded Fixed Lingual retainers
Just like other dental treatments, the process will always start with a consultation. However, not all dentists are Invisalign trained, therefore it is important to find a clinic that offers Invisalign.
01
After the consultation process, an impression using a digital scan is taken to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth.Â
02
Once the digital impressions are completed, they are then sent to Invisalign dental technicians who work with dentists to create a customized 3-D digital treatment plan based on the dentist’s prescription.Â
This 3-D treatment plan shows the movement required for the teeth to achieve the desired end result.
03
The next stage of the process is the production of the custom Invisalign aligners which are made at an automated plant. These aligners are based on the digital scan and 3-D treatment plan for the patient. The number of aligners will also depend on the case of the patient.
04
Before the Invisalign aligners are given to the patient, attachments, made of a composite material are placed and bonded to the teeth. These attachments will help the teeth move efficiently and effectively.Â
Interproximal reductions to create enough space between the teeth may also be placed before the first aligner depending on the patient’s case. The spaces created help move the teeth to their desired position or alignment.
05
During this stage, the patient receives a series of clear aligners that can be changed at home every two weeks. These aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
06
Invisalign treatments usually take 12 to 24 months. This may still increase based on the recommendations of the dentist.
After the treatment period, the patient is required to wear retainers to prevent the teeth from moving back to their initial position.
07
FEATURED CASES
Before & After
BEFORE
AFTER
Overcrowding and Bite Problem
BEFORE
AFTER
Gaps
BEFORE
AFTER
Bite Problem
ABOUT ORAL SURGERY
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
BEFORE & AFTER
Care Instructions
Before the procedure
- Use an ice pack on your face to alleviate the swelling or skin color changes
- Diet as tolerated, advisable to consume soft foods like pasta, rice, or soup
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Brush your teeth gently near the surgical site
- Take the drugs your doctor prescribed to ease the pain or swelling
- Call your doctor if you have a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve
After the Oral Surgery
- Don’t consume hot foods or beverages for the next 48 hours after your surgery as this may encourage bleeding
- Don’t drink through a straw. Sucking creates a negative pressure in your mouth, that may loosen the granulation tissue on a healing surgical site
- Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly. Your doctor may suggest rinsing gently with saltwater
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can slow your healing
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
