Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It typically results from poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque and tartar accumulation. Fortunately, with professional treatment, gingivitis can often be reversed.

Periodontal surgery, often referred to as gum surgery, is performed to address various gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The primary goals of this procedure include:

• Regenerating damaged bone and tissue
•  Preventing tooth loss
• Reducing the gaps between teeth, known as black triangles
• Reshaping the jawbone to minimize bacterial growth in crevices
• Eliminating bacteria and infection

In this article, we will explore what individuals can expect during periodontal surgery, the conditions it can treat, and the recovery timeline.

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure involving the removal of a tooth from its dental alveolus (socket) in the jawbone. This procedure may be necessary due to various reasons, including severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or damage from trauma.

The extraction can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s comfort level. After the procedure, proper care and follow-up are essential for healing, which may include managing pain and preventing infection. Tooth extraction is often a straightforward procedure, and many patients recover quickly, allowing for future dental restorations or orthodontic treatments as needed.

Dental implants involve surgically placing artificial tooth roots into the jawbone to support crowns or bridges. This procedure provides a stable and durable solution for missing teeth, enhancing both function and aesthetics. The implants integrate with the jawbone over time, mimicking the natural tooth structure. Ideal for individuals seeking a long-term restoration option, dental implants can significantly improve chewing ability and preserve jawbone health. After the initial healing period, crowns or bridges are attached to the implants, completing the restoration.

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition that limits the tongue’s range of motion. It occurs when a short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This restriction can interfere with breastfeeding, and individuals with tongue-tie may struggle to stick out their tongues. It can also impact eating and speaking.

In some instances, tongue-tie does not cause significant issues. However, when problems arise, a simple surgical procedure may be needed to correct the condition.

Symptoms of tongue-tie can include:

• Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving it side to side.
• Trouble extending the tongue past the lower front teeth.
• A notched or heart-shaped appearance of the tongue when extended.

These signs can vary in severity and may affect activities like eating, speaking, and breastfeeding.

A sinus elevation, or sinus lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the amount of bone in the maxilla (upper jaw) for dental implant placement. During this procedure, the sinus floor is carefully elevated, and bone grafting material is added to the newly created space to enhance the jawbone.

There are two types of sinus lift surgery: internal and external. The choice of procedure depends on the amount of existing bone at the time of surgery.

The posterior maxilla is often challenging for dental implants due to insufficient bone height, which can occur when maxillary teeth are lost or due to bone loss from periodontal disease. This leads to a decreased distance between the sinus floor and the alveolar ridge, making implant placement difficult. A sinus lift addresses this issue.

Healing from a sinus elevation typically takes about 4 to 9 months, after which implants can be placed. However, if there is enough bone present during the sinus lift, implants may be placed at the same time.

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, involves surgically repositioning the jaw to address bite problems and enhance facial appearance. This procedure can correct misalignments that affect chewing, speaking, and overall oral function. Additionally, it can improve facial symmetry and aesthetics. Typically performed under general anesthesia, the surgery may involve realigning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Recovery includes managing discomfort and following a specialized diet during the healing process. Corrective jaw surgery can lead to significant improvements in both function and appearance for patients with jaw irregularities.

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the volume and density of the jawbone. During this procedure, a healthcare provider adds powdered bone grafting material—either natural or lab-made—to areas where bone has been lost or is thinning.

The bone graft acts as a scaffold, allowing your body to repair and regenerate its own bone tissue around it.

There are several types of dental bone grafting materials:

• Allograft: Human bone obtained from a licensed donor bank.
• Alloplast: Lab-made dental bone substitutes, such as hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral.
• Autogenous: Your own bone, harvested from another area of your body.
• Xenograft: Animal-derived bone sourced from a licensed donor bank, commonly from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) origins.

Dental bone grafts can have success rates of up to 100%, depending on the type used. However, failure is possible, particularly in individuals who smoke or have certain medical conditions. Signs of graft failure include:

• Worsening pain or swelling after the first week
• Pus or drainage from the graft site
• Gum recession
• No improvement in jawbone volume

Cleft lip and palate repair in dentistry focuses on surgically correcting birth defects affecting the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. This procedure is usually performed in infancy or early childhood to close the gaps, improving both function and appearance.

In addition to enhancing facial aesthetics, the surgery aids in restoring normal eating, speaking, and breathing capabilities. Post-operative care is essential to manage discomfort and ensure proper healing. Ongoing dental and speech therapy may also be needed to support the child’s development. Early intervention is crucial for achieving the best outcomes in both oral function and overall quality of life.

An impacted tooth is one that fails to break through the gum. This often occurs with wisdom teeth, the last to emerge, usually between ages 17 and 21.

Causes

Teeth typically emerge during infancy and again when permanent teeth replace baby teeth. A tooth is considered impacted if it does not fully emerge or is stuck due to overcrowding, a small jaw, or improper positioning.

While impacted wisdom teeth are common and often painless, they can lead to issues. Some professionals suggest that impacted teeth can push against adjacent teeth, potentially misaligning the bite. Partially erupted teeth may trap food and plaque, leading to inflammation (pericoronitis), tenderness, bad breath, and possibly decay or bone loss in surrounding areas.

Reach out to your dentist if you have an unerupted or partially erupted tooth and experience gum pain or other symptoms.

Apical resection, also known as apical surgery, is a dental procedure used to treat infections or decay at the tip of a tooth’s roots. It is often considered when issues persist during or after root canal treatment, which addresses infection or inflammation inside the tooth.

What is Apical Resection?
This procedure aims to protect the tooth and resolve complications following root canal treatment. It’s essential to consult a specialist to evaluate your specific dental health needs before proceeding.

Why is Apical Resection Performed?
Apical resection may be necessary for various conditions, including:

• Root Canal Treatment Problems: Persistent infections or inflammation that occur during or after root canal therapy may require apical surgery.
• Cysts: Cysts in the tooth can necessitate this procedure for removal.
• Foreign Bodies: Rarely, foreign objects introduced into the tooth roots can lead to infections, which may require surgical intervention.
• Dental Root Fractures: Fractured roots can cause complications, and apical resection can help remove the damaged portion and manage infections.
• Healing After Treatment: Sometimes, apical surgery is needed to facilitate healing following root canal treatment.

Pre-prosthetic surgery is an oral surgical procedure that prepares your mouth for future restorations, such as dentures or other oral prostheses. These prosthetics are designed to rest on the bony ridge of the mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

The Process of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

During your initial visit, we will conduct 3D CBCT scans to assess your oral condition and the structure of your teeth. We’ll also discuss anesthesia and sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Max Dent clinic, prioritizes safety by using advanced sterilization equipment for all surgical instruments, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Pre-prosthetic surgery may involve:

• Smoothing or reshaping the jawbone
• Removing excess bone or gum tissue
• Tooth extractions
• Ridge augmentation (reducing the bony ridge)

The specific treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the type of oral prosthesis you require. All procedures are performed in the safe and comfortable environment.

Dental surgical exostosis refers to the removal of bony growths, or exostoses, from the jaw or oral cavity. These growths can occur on the alveolar ridge or the palate and may lead to discomfort, interfere with chewing, or affect the fit of dentures. The procedure aims to excise these growths to alleviate symptoms and improve oral function. Recovery typically involves managing any postoperative discomfort and ensuring proper healing at the surgical site.

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Common procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers, all designed to improve the look of your teeth and gums.

 What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry?

General dentistry is centered around primary dental care, including preventative services like teeth cleanings and restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. While these treatments often improve both function and appearance, general dentists prioritize overall oral health. In contrast, cosmetic dentists specialize in beautifying smiles, offering treatments specifically aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of your teeth and gums.