Benefits of Oral Surgery
Oral surgery isn’t scary. The words “dentist” and “surgery” often invoke fear in many people, however. The estimated prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) worldwide is 15.3%, high DFA is 12.4%, and severe DFA is 3.3%.
However, it’s time to change that perspective. Surgery is a standard and safe procedure in modern medicine. Oral surgery, in particular, can bring numerous benefits to people’s lives, improving physical and emotional well-being.
At Green Valley Oral Surgery, we specialize in various types of oral surgery and can help you reach your dental goals. Contact us today!
Understanding Oral Surgery
There are several causes of toothaches, including:
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache. It occurs when bacteria in plaque produce acids that break down the tooth enamel, causing decay. Bacteria can survive thanks to the sugar included in our diets. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, which can cause severe pain and discomfort.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause toothaches. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth build up and form plaque, leading to inflammation. This can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and causing sensitivity and pain.
Infection
A toothache might be the result of an infected tooth or gums. It can occur when bacteria enter the tooth through a cavity or crack and cause an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth and can cause severe pain and swelling.
Grinding of Teeth
Grinding of teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause toothaches. It can occur during sleep or when awake and can cause wear and tear on the teeth. Over time, bruxism can cause tooth sensitivity and pain.
Dental Fractures
A dental fracture can be the result of many causes, including accidental falls, sports injuries, biting down on hard objects, or even teeth grinding (bruxism). These fractures can range from minor chips to more severe cracks that affect the integrity of the tooth’s structure.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The third molars, often referred to as wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent teeth to come in, usually during the twilight of adolescence or the dawn of adulthood. Often, these teeth lack the space to fully erupt, leading to impaction. This impaction is also a common reason for tooth pain or the toothache.
Benefits of Oral Surgery
While we understand that many shy away from oral surgery due to fear or anxiety, there are so many benefits that make it worth considering.
Improved Oral Health
Oral surgery can address a multitude of issues that compromise oral health, including:
- Impacted teeth
- Tooth decay or damage
- Tooth loss
- Infection
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Jaw misalignment
Our oral surgeons can address these problems, prevent further damage, and improve overall oral health. For example, removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent overcrowding, pain, and disease in the future. Similarly, treating an infection or cyst can prevent it from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
Pain Relief
Many oral health issues can cause significant pain and discomfort. Oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extractions or corrective jaw surgery, can provide immense relief and improve quality of life. They can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and allow them to eat, speak, and smile without discomfort.
With our anesthesia and sedation techniques, patients can undergo surgical procedures with minimal discomfort. In some cases, patients may not even remember the procedure afterward. We strive to make oral surgery a comfortable and manageable experience, especially for those with dental fear or anxiety.
Improved Functionality
Dental issues such as missing teeth or jaw misalignment can affect how you eat, speak, and breathe. Oral surgery, such as corrective jaw surgery, dental implants, and bone grafting, can correct these problems and improve overall functionality.
For example, dental implants can restore the ability to chew and speak correctly, while corrective jaw surgery can improve breathing and alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms. Green Valley Oral Surgery patients can enjoy restored bite alignment, improved speech, and the ability to chew comfortably, enhancing their quality of life.
Aesthetic Enhancement
We also offer aesthetic enhancements for those wanting to alter their appearance. Procedures such as dental implants or corrective jaw surgery can improve the face’s alignment, shape, and symmetry. If desired, this type of improvement can considerably change your facial aesthetics and boost your self-confidence.
Moreover, cosmetic procedures like gum grafts or jaw reshaping can improve your smile. If you find yourself struggling to feel confident in social situations because of your smile, reach out to our oral experts today.
Preventive Measures
Oral surgery can also help to prevent additional dental issues. An example is when removing impacted wisdom teeth. This helps reduce the risk of infection, crowding, and misalignment. Early intervention through oral surgery can prevent future complications and maintain optimal oral health. It’s important to address dental issues early on, as they can worsen over time and become more challenging and costly to treat.
Wisdom teeth removal in teenagers can prevent future problems and save them from potential discomfort or pain. While there is a long-standing debate on the necessity of wisdom teeth removal, many dentists and oral surgeons recommend it as a preventive measure to avoid potential complications.
Treatment for Oral Diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that oral diseases affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide, especially those in low and middle-income countries. Some of the most common oral diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Oral surgery can play a crucial role in treating these diseases by removing infected or damaged tissue and reconstructing and restoring oral structures. Plus, early detection through regular dental check-ups can ensure prompt treatment with oral surgery when needed, improving overall health outcomes.
Common Concerns
We understand that many patients have concerns about undergoing oral surgery. It is our goal to make any procedure as comfortable as possible for each patient. Some common problems we help our patients with include:
Pain Management
Many patients worry about experiencing pain during or after oral surgery. However, our advanced anesthesia techniques and post-operative pain management protocols ensure minimal discomfort during and after oral surgery procedures. We also provide post-operative pain management solutions to minimize pain and keep patients comfortable during healing.
Cost Considerations
Oral surgery can be a significant investment, and it’s essential to consider the cost when deciding on treatment options. However, oral surgery can also provide long-term benefits and prevent more costly and complex procedures in the future.
Many insurance plans cover oral surgery procedures, making them more accessible and affordable. We also offer payment plans for your convenience. Consult with our oral surgeons and your insurance provider to understand coverage options and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Recovery Time
Oral surgery procedures typically require some recovery time, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing factors. Patients follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process. It’s also important to plan for adequate rest and time off work or school to allow for proper healing.
Why Choose Green Valley Oral Surgery
At Green Valley Oral Surgery, we understand the importance of providing personalized and compassionate care to our patients. Our experienced oral surgeons use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide safe, effective, and comfortable outcomes for our patients.
We also prioritize patient education, ensuring that each patient understands their treatment options and feels confident and informed before undergoing any procedure. We strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for our patients, making their experience with us as stress-free as possible.
Contact Us for Oral Surgery
It’s normal to have inhibitions about undergoing oral surgery, especially for those with dental fear or anxiety. However, with the advanced techniques and compassionate care our experienced oral surgeons provide, you can have a safe, comfortable, and successful experience.
We are committed to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment plans for our patients. We always prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a positive experience with long-term oral health benefits.
Contact us today to learn more about our services. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a confident, beautiful smile!