Dentoalveolar surgery covers surgical procedures related to the teeth and surrounding structures within the oral cavity. In dentoalveolar surgery, Oral and maxillofacial surgeons help preserve oral health and enhance proper mouth function. The surgery aid in the management of various conditions, including odontogenic infections, impacted teeth, unerupted teeth, erupted teeth, and third molars. It also addresses defects and deformities in the dentoalveolar complex through excision, reduction, and revision procedures. The following are some of the dentoalveolar procedures:
Tooth Extraction
Dentoalveolar surgery helps to remove a dead tooth often caused by previous root canal treatment or weakening from extensive fillings. Additionally, removing impacted or misaligned third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, is frequently performed on young individuals. Extracting a retained tooth root may become necessary to address specific dental issues.
Lesions and Cysts Removal
In some cases, oral and maxillofacial surgeons may remove fluid-filled cysts within the jawbone and excision of tumors. These tumors are typically benign. However, in some instances, they can be malignant. These surgical interventions are essential to address potential health concerns and promote overall oral well-being.
Oral Pathology
At times, oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a biopsy to remove abnormal tissue to diagnose a lesion accurately. This procedure is typically performed when the tissue is suspected to be non-cancerous, allowing for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.
Aid In Root Canal Treatment
An apicectomy, which involves root tip removal during root canal treatment, is performed to address or prevent a dentoalveolar abscess. This specialized procedure helps in treating the infection and promoting optimal oral health.
Help In Orthodontic Treatment
Dentoalveolar surgery offers valuable assistance in promoting the proper unerupted teeth positioning. Additionally, it may involve removing erupted and normally positioned teeth that are causing crowding among other teeth. In rare instances, the surgery can help remove supernumerary teeth (extra permanent teeth).