Dental treatment encompasses a range of procedures aimed at maintaining oral health, diagnosing and treating dental conditions, and restoring the function and aesthetics of the teeth and gums. Dental care is provided by dentists and dental specialists who specialize in various areas of dentistry. Here are key aspects of dental treatment:
1. Tooth Extraction:
- Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This may be necessary due to severe decay, infection, impaction, or other dental issues.
2. Wisdom Teeth Removal:
- Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often require surgical removal due to impaction, misalignment, or inadequate space in the jaw.
3. Dental Implants:
- Dental implant surgery involves the placement of artificial tooth roots (implants) into the jawbone. This provides a stable foundation for dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
4. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery):
- Orthognathic surgery corrects skeletal and dental irregularities of the jaw. It can address issues like misaligned jaws, facial asymmetry, and bite problems.
5. Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy):
- Apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tip of a tooth’s root and surrounding infected tissue. It is done to treat persistent infections following a root canal procedure.
6. Gum Surgery (Periodontal Surgery):
- Periodontal surgery addresses conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures. Procedures include gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, and crown lengthening.
7. Dental Crown Lengthening:
- Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It may be performed for cosmetic or restorative purposes.
8. Pre-Prosthetic Surgery:
- Some individuals may require surgical procedures to prepare the mouth for dental prosthetics. This can include bone grafts, soft tissue augmentation, or reshaping of the jawbone.
9. Orthodontic Surgery:
- Surgical procedures may be used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to address severe malocclusions or skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with braces alone.
10. Biopsy:
- Oral surgeons may perform biopsies to diagnose and treat oral lesions, growths, or suspicious tissues. The removed tissue is examined for signs of pathology.
11. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Surgery:
- Surgical interventions for TMJ disorders may be considered when conservative treatments are ineffective. Procedures may involve arthroscopy or open-joint surgery to address joint abnormalities.
12. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons play a role in the surgical correction of cleft lip and palate, congenital conditions that affect facial development.
13. Dental Trauma Surgery:
- Surgical procedures may be necessary to repair facial injuries or fractures resulting from dental trauma.
14. Sleep Apnea Surgery:
- Surgical interventions, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement (GA), may be considered to address sleep apnea by improving airflow during sleep.
15. Tumor or Cyst Removal:
- Oral surgeons may remove benign or malignant tumors, cysts, or other growths affecting the oral and facial structures.