Oral Surgery in Atlanta, GA

When we go to the dentist, we often know what we are getting done. We go for cleanings and checkups twice a year and occasionally have to get a filling or other procedure. When we hear that we may need oral surgery, that can be a scary prospect. It doesn’t have to be, though. Oral surgery is a common part of dental care and is sometimes necessary to keep our smile looking its best.

It’s always a good idea to discuss with your dentist whether surgery is the right option and why it may be necessary. There are many treatments available for a variety of issues, but sometimes oral surgery is the option that provides the best outcome.

What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery covers any surgery that involves the mouth, the tongue, the teeth, and all soft tissues inside. While it is easy to think that oral surgery always has to be for something major, there are times when oral surgery is necessary to correct an issue that could cause problems down the line.

With advancements in oral surgery technologies, many surgeries are now almost completely painless. It is possible to have them done using laser technology, reducing the healing and recovery time. For patients worried about pain and aftercare, this is a great benefit since there is generally less pain and a shorter recovery period.

Types of Oral Surgeries

Oral surgeries cover a range of procedures. The most common one many patients are familiar with is complex tooth extraction, such as having wisdom teeth removed.

Other options include fixing a cleft lip or cleft palate, which involves surgically altering the features of the mouth to make them function properly. The procedure to correct ankyloglossia or being tongue-tied is a minor surgical procedure.

There are many different treatments, such as bone and gum grafts to correct damage from gum disease and surgery to correct TMJ is sometimes necessary as well. Often these surgeries can drastically improve the patient’s health and well-being.