More than 40% of American adults reported feeling pain in their teeth within the last year. Many of these are caused by some common conditions.
Some of these conditions can cause long-lasting pain and discomfort, while others can even result in your untimely death if left untreated. Facial and oral surgery is performed to repair, treat, or prevent issues associated with the mouth and jaw.
If you or a loved one has been experiencing unusual pains or problems in the mouth, jaw, or face, speak to your regular physician or dentist. They may refer you to a specialized surgeon to have a full evaluation.
Most Common Types of Facial and Oral Surgical Procedures
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
Sometimes, there are teeth at the back of your mouth called wisdom teeth that can cause trouble. They might not have enough space to come out properly, which can lead to pain and infections.
To solve this, a dentist or oral surgeon takes them out using a simple surgery. This helps prevent future problems and keeps your mouth healthy.
2. Dental Implants
Imagine having a missing tooth and wanting it back. Dental implants are like magic replacements for missing teeth.
A skilled dentist places a tiny metal piece in your jawbone that acts like a root, and then a fake tooth is attached to it. This not only brings back your smile but also helps you chew food properly, restoring both function and aesthetics. Dental implants provide a permanent and durable solution for tooth loss, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth and preserving the integrity of your jawbone.
However, it’s worth noting that according to this expert dentist in Henderson NV, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will determine if you can undergo dental implant treatment.
3. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Think of your jaw as a key player in the harmony of your face. But sometimes, it doesn’t quite fit together smoothly, causing chewing problems, speech difficulties, and even changing how your face looks. Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, acts as a skilled conductor, bringing all the elements into perfect alignment.
Orthognathic surgery isn’t just about appearance; it’s about functionality. When braces alone can’t correct misalignments, an oral surgeon steps in. Whether it’s an overbite, underbite, or misaligned jaw, the procedure involves careful planning and precise adjustments. Surgeons make small cuts in the jawbones to reposition them, then secure them in place with tiny screws and plates.
After the surgery, your jaw needs time to heal and adapt. The rewards are improved chewing, clearer speech, and, often, a boost in confidence. It’s like orchestrating a symphony of positive changes, creating a balanced and comfortable result that positively resonates throughout your life.
4. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Do you know that your nose can be changed to look different? That’s what rhinoplasty does. It’s like a little artistic surgery for your nose. If your nose has a shape you don’t like or it’s hard to breathe through, a surgeon can reshape it to make you happier and help you breathe better.
5. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
As we grow older, the skin around our eyes can become loose and make us look tired. Blepharoplasty tightens up this loose skin and makes your eyes appear more awake. It’s like a little refresh button for your eyelids!
6. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Some babies are born with a split in their lips or the roof of their mouth. This can make it hard for them to eat and talk. Surgeons are like superheroes in these cases.
They fix the split so that the baby can eat, talk, and smile like everyone else.
7. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Imagine your face getting a bit saggy as you get older. A facelift is like a gentle pull that makes your face skin tight again. It’s not about changing who you are but about making you feel more comfortable and confident as you age.
8. Oral Cancer Surgery
Cancer is a serious disease that needs special attention. If cancer forms inside your mouth, surgery might be needed to remove it. Surgeons are like brave warriors fighting against the bad cells. Removing the cancer helps you stay healthy.
9. Dental Crown Lengthening
Sometimes, a tooth needs a crown to cover it, but there isn’t enough tooth sticking out to hold the crown. That’s where dental crown lengthening comes in. It’s like giving your tooth a little boost so that it’s ready for its new crown.
10. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery
Have you ever had a sore jaw that makes it hard to eat or talk? Imagine if every time you tried to enjoy your favorite meal or have a conversation, your jaw felt uncomfortable or painful. That’s where TMJ surgery comes in – it’s like a superhero for your jaw joint.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s responsible for the movements you make when you talk, chew, and even yawn. But sometimes, this joint can misbehave and cause problems. TMJ disorders can lead to jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and even trouble fully opening or closing your mouth.
11. Liposuction of the Neck (Submental Liposuction)
Do you ever feel like there’s a little extra something under your chin that you wish wasn’t there? It’s quite common, and there’s a solution called submental liposuction.
During submental liposuction, a surgeon who’s really good at this carefully suctions out the excess fat using a tiny tube called a cannula. The cannula is like a secret agent that goes into the fat and gently takes it away. This helps reveal a smoother and more defined neck area. It’s like removing a small obstacle that’s been in your way, giving your neck a fresher and more youthful look.
Submental liposuction is often done as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. Recovery time is usually not too long, and you’ll be given some instructions to help you heal comfortably.
12. Dental Bonding
Have you ever noticed tiny imperfections on your teeth? Maybe a small chip or a spot that’s a bit darker than the rest of your tooth? Dental bonding is like a little artist’s touch for your teeth.
In dental bonding, a dentist uses a special material that looks just like your natural teeth. It’s put on your tooth and shaped to cover up those imperfections. It’s kind of like adding a little piece of art to your smile! This material bonds (hence the name) with your tooth, creating a strong and natural-looking result.
The best part is that dental bonding is usually done in just one visit. It’s a quick way to enhance your smile without needing a big makeover.
13. Cheek Augmentation
Have you ever thought about having fuller cheeks? Cheek augmentation is like a little boost for your cheekbones.
In this procedure, a skilled professional can use a couple of different methods. They might insert a small implant to add volume to your cheeks, sort of like adding a cushion under your skin. Or, they might use special fillers to plump up your cheeks, giving them a lifted and youthful appearance.
Cheek augmentation is like enhancing the natural beauty of your face. It can make your features look more balanced and bring out your best angles. The procedure is usually quite safe and can make you feel more confident in your appearance.
14. Gum Contouring
Did you know that your gums play a big part in how your smile looks? Sometimes, gums can cover up too much of your teeth, making them look smaller than they actually are. Or maybe your gums are a bit uneven and you’d like them to be more symmetrical. That’s where gum contouring comes in.
Gum contouring is like an artist using a delicate brush to shape your gums. A dentist uses a laser or other tools to reshape your gums, revealing more of your teeth gently. It’s like unveiling a hidden treasure – your teeth get to shine and show off their true beauty.
This procedure is usually quick, and you’ll likely see the results right away. Your smile will look more balanced, and you’ll feel more confident about showing off your pearly whites.
15. Facial Fracture Repair
Accidents can happen, and sometimes the bones in your face might get injured. It’s not a fun experience, but facial fracture repair is like having a team of experts to put things back in place.
During facial fracture repair, skilled surgeons work like puzzle solvers. They carefully reposition the broken bones, making sure they fit just right. Then, they might use tiny plates, screws, or wires to hold the bones in their correct positions while they heal.
This surgery is like a superhero coming to save the day. It’s not just about making your face look better – it’s also about making sure your facial bones heal properly so you can go back to your normal life as smoothly as possible.
Facial and Oral Surgery Can Have a Big Impact
Facial and oral surgeries are like helpers for your face, mouth, and jaw. Each type of facial and oral surgery has its own job, whether it’s fixing a problem or making you feel better about yourself.
If you ever need one of these surgeries, remember that doctors and surgeons are there to guide you and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
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