Types of surgery for teeth
Dental surgery encompasses a wide array of different dental specialties and procedures. In fact, dental surgeons operate on all areas of the mouth and certain parts of the face. There are several specialties within the practice of dental surgery and your needs will generally dictate which dental specialist you will see. This article provides an overview of some of the dental surgery specialties using different types of surgery.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the discipline within dental surgery that focuses on correcting overbites (the upper row of teeth extend over the bottom row when the mouth is closed), underbites (opposite of overbites), and straightening of teeth. In addition to the cosmetic appeal of straight teeth, having a maximum amount of contact area between the upper and lower teeth aids in proper chewing and reduces the risk of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Orthodontists often use retainers and braces to achieve the desired effect.
Endodontics is the field of dental surgery that deals with the interior of the tooth. While we may think of a tooth as just a hard piece of enamel, it is actually a living piece of tissue with arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Diseases that affect the root of the tooth are often treated by an endodontist. One of the more common endodontics procedures is known as a root canal. A root canal is actually the space in which these sensitive delicate structures are found and the procedure known as a “root canal” encompasses several endodontic dental surgeries. The typical “root canal” usually involves removing the root, removing diseased or infected tissue, and filling in the region with a synthetic material.
Periodontics is the branch of dental surgery in which the structures that support the teeth, namely the gums and jaws, are maintained and treated. Gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, is extremely common and can lead to a number of dental and medical problems. A periodontist would treat this and related disorders. A periodontist may also construct and place dental implants for missing or diseased teeth. Dental implants are synthetic teeth that are anchored directly into the jaw bone. While dental implants are very secure, their correct placement is critical to ensure optimal performance and to decrease the chance of infection.
Prosthodontists specialize in providing prosthetic dental appliances, the most common appliance being dentures. Prosthodontics is a discipline of dental surgery that somewhat overlaps other branches. These dental specialists need to be able to diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth, gums, and jaws in order to properly implement, fit, and maintain prosthetic dental devices.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons comprise yet another branch of dental surgery. Oral surgeons are often called upon to perform many different dental surgeries of the mouth and face. Dental oral surgery can cover anything from wisdom tooth removal to facial reconstruction. The training to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a bit longer and more extensive than the other dental surgery disciplines.
If you are unsure of what types of surgery you require your general dentist should be able to make an initial diagnosis and refer you to the proper specialist. However, if you are quite sure that you need the services of a specialist, it will likely save you time and money to go directly to the proper dental surgery specialist.
At http://www.surgery.com/ know benefits of different types of surgery used for dental health.
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