Why You Should Consider Visiting an Oral Surgeon

Many people consider oral surgery to be a drastic step and are often alarmed when their dentist suggests that they need to meet with and get treated by an oral surgeon. The reality is, there are numerous issues that cannot be dealt with by your regular dentist. When you have a condition like TMJ, impacted teeth, facial pain, or any number of other problems, you will need to get oral surgery. Oral surgeons even treat things like tumors from oral cancer and can also perform cosmetic facial surgery to improve the appearance of your smile. With the wide range of conditions that are corrected with oral surgery, you should not be alarmed or concerned if your dentist wants to refer you to an oral surgeon to deal with a particular issue.

Oral surgery is often a confusing term for patients, who look at everything in layman’s terms. For example, what is the difference between getting a root canal and having to remove your impacted wisdom teeth, other than the fact that one is done by your dentist and the other requires the services of an oral surgeon? This is exactly the same as in medicine when some simple procedures can be done by your general practice doctor, while other procedures need to be dealt with by a surgeon. The most common oral surgery procedures are removing impacted teeth and getting dental implants placed.

Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common problems that adults across the country have to deal with. Impacted wisdom teeth have to be removed using oral surgery. For most adults, their wisdom teeth appear much later than the other teeth. Since these are the third molars, there has to be enough room in the mouth and the jaw to allow the teeth to come in. Unfortunately, most times, the teeth do not have the room to come in straight or completely out of the gum. This is considered impacted and can have a significant and damaging effect on the teeth around the impacted wisdom tooth. Oral surgery can remove the teeth, preventing damage to the surrounding teeth and often relieving pain and swelling.

Another common reason for getting oral surgery is to replace lost or badly damaged teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent alternative to dentures or bridges for people who have lost their teeth. A tiny titanium screw is placed into the jawbone to act as the support for a fake tooth that is placed above the gum line. The new fake tooth is called a dental crown. Dental implants are extremely successful, very permanent, and last a very long time, but they do require oral surgery to place since they are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Often, people who have suffered bone loss in their jaw must have the bone replaced or augmented with oral surgery.

An oral surgeon is trained and skilled in the use of anesthesia to help make any procedure you get comfortable and as painless as possible.

Tips for Gum Recession Prevention

Gum recession can affect any person, even someone who has a healthy mouth. According to many studies, approximately 50 percent of people have some form of gum recession. Once you develop gum recession, it can be hard to combat, but it is not impossible. To avoid the extra hassle and dental costs, try these tips to prevent gum recession altogether.

Gum Recession Definition and Causes

Gum recession typically occurs after a person has had gum disease, which is the infection and inflammation of the gum line. It is a side effect of the gums fighting off infection and growing weaker. Because of the stress, the tissues gradually break down. Gum recession can also occur simply due to congenital causes like thin, fragile gums, which is why so many people with healthy teeth and gums experience it. You also risk developing gum recession if you brush your teeth too vigorously daily. The persistent pressure on your gum line can cause it to recede. Crowded teeth and small jawbones are a few other causes of gum recession, in addition to many others. When gum recession occurs, the gingival margin (gum line) will gradually move away from the crown of the tooth, eventually exposing roots, causing discomfort, and leading to tooth loss.

Gum Recession Prevention

Brushing and Flossing

The best way to prevent gum recession is to keep up with proper oral hygiene practices. You should brush and floss daily. Brush your teeth at least twice every day, but more brushing, like after meals, is encouraged. You should floss once a day to keep food particles and bacteria from getting wedged into your gum line. Mouthwash can also be used daily after brushing and flossing to kill extra bacteria. These practices will help prevent gum disease that could lead to gum recession.

Regular Dentist Visits

Visiting the dentist regularly is also a great way to prevent gum recession. A dentist will be able to tell if you could be experiencing the early signs of gum disease or gum recession. They will be able to treat these conditions to prevent them from developing further. A dentist can also keep your teeth as clean as possible, so the likelihood of developing gum disease and recession is lessened.

Braces

Since crowded teeth can lead to gum recession, going through braces treatment could straighten your teeth and prevent recession from occurring. Braces can also make your teeth generally easier to clean, which leads to a healthier mouth overall.

Tips on Brushing

If you brush your teeth too aggressively, gum recession is inevitable. Try brushing your teeth with a firm but gentle circular motion to clean each tooth thoroughly and gently. If you need tips on getting the best clean without harming your gums, talk to a dentist. You should also ask your dentist what type of toothbrush is best for you.

These simple steps could help prevent gum recession. If receding gums are hereditary in your family, talk to your dentist about others ways you could keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. We can fill you in on everything you should know about the causes and treatment of gum recession.