Navigating The Different Types Of Oral Surgery Procedures

Oral surgeries are more common than we think, encompassing a wide range of procedures, each serving a unique purpose. At Greenberg Oral Surgery near Yorktown Heights, we are able to perform different types of surgical procedures involving the teeth, gums, and jaw.  Dr. Andrew Greenberg, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, aims to educate every patient about each surgery to empower them with their dental health care.

We have created a complete guide to help you understand what type of oral surgery you may need and what you can expect when going through any of these treatments. 

What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is often referred to as oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). It is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating various conditions related to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. It encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures aimed at improving oral health, function, and aesthetics.

Oral surgeons are highly trained dental professionals who possess the expertise to perform both routine and complex surgical interventions. They work closely with other healthcare providers, including dentists, orthodontists, and medical specialists, to address a broad spectrum of oral and facial issues.

1. Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extractions are a common oral surgical procedure. Your oral surgeon removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone and gum tissue. They typically recommend this procedure for severely damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth.

Procedure:

1. Assessment: Before the extraction, your oral surgeon or dentist will assess the condition of the tooth and your overall dental health. They may take X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s position and root structure.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you feel minimal to no pain during the procedure. In some cases, sedation may also be offered for anxious patients.
3. Extraction: Using specialized instruments, the oral surgeon or dentist will carefully loosen the tooth within its socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
4. Stitches (if necessary): Depending on the complexity of the extraction or the need for wound closure, dissolvable stitches may be used to help the gum tissue heal.
5. Post-Extraction Care: After the tooth is removed, gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding, and you may be asked to bite down gently. The oral surgeon will provide post-operative instructions on caring for the area, including guidelines for pain management and healing.

What to Expect:

• Mild discomfort and swelling are common after a tooth extraction, but you can manage these symptoms with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
• You may need to stick to a soft diet for a few days and avoid certain activities like smoking, which can hinder the healing process.
• The gum tissue and socket will gradually heal over a period of a few weeks. During this time, a blood clot will form in the socket, helping to protect the area and promote tissue regeneration.

Why You May Need a Tooth Extraction:

• Severe tooth decay that a filling or root canal cannot treat.
• Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or crowding.
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment when there’s overcrowding.
• Removal of loose or damaged teeth in preparation for dentures.
• To prevent the spread of infection or alleviate dental pain.

2. Dental Bone Grafts

A dental bone graft is another type of oral surgery Yorktown Heights we perform. In this procedure, the oral surgeon transplants the bone tissue to the jawbone to enhance its strength, density, and volume. They commonly perform it to prepare the jawbone for dental implant placement. Dental bone grafts address bone loss resulting from injury, infection, or periodontal disease.

Procedure:

1. Preoperative Evaluation: Before the bone graft procedure, your oral surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D imaging, to evaluate the bone’s condition and determine the appropriate grafting technique.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the surgical area, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, sedation may also be offered for patient relaxation.
3. Bone Graft Placement: The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the area of bone deficiency. They will then place the graft material (which they can source from your own body, a donor, synthetic materials, or animal sources) into the affected area.
4. Closure: After the graft material is in place, the incision is closed with sutures. In some cases, a barrier membrane may be used to protect the graft and promote optimal healing.

What to Expect:

• Mild discomfort and swelling are common after a dental bone graft procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions on pain management and post-operative care. You may also need to follow a soft diet for a certain period to avoid putting excessive pressure on the graft site.
• Over the next several months, the graft material will integrate with your existing bone, gradually strengthening the jawbone.
• Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the graft is successful.

Why Patients May Need Dental Bone Grafts:

• Implant Preparation: Bone grafts are often performed to augment the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for dental implant placement when there is insufficient natural bone.
• Treatment of Bone Loss: Dental bone grafts can address bone loss resulting from gum disease (periodontal disease), trauma, or infection.
• Restorative Dentistry: They are also used in restorative dentistry procedures, such as ridge augmentation and sinus lifts, to improve the structure and function of the jaw.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dr. Greenberg offers this oral surgery Yorktown Heights option as a durable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

Procedure:

1. Initial Evaluation: Before proceeding with dental implants, your oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, including X-rays and impressions, to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
2. Surgical Placement: Surgeons typically perform dental implantation in stages. In the first stage, the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue and drills a hole into the jawbone. They will then carefully insert the implant into the bone and close the incision with .
3. Healing Period: After implant placement, a healing period known as osseointegration takes place. During this time, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone, becoming a stable and integrated part of your oral anatomy. This process can take several months.
4. Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as the foundation for the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture).
5. Final Restoration: The custom-made replacement tooth or teeth are then securely attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process. The new teeth are designed to match the appearance and function of your natural teeth.

What to Expect:

• Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common after the implant placement surgery. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions for managing pain and swelling.
• During the osseointegration phase, it’s essential to follow a soft diet and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the implant successfully integrates with the bone.
• Regular check-ups with your oral surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and assess the stability of the implant.

When Do You Need Dental Implants:

• Tooth Replacement: Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, offering a natural and permanent solution for restoring your smile.
• Preservation of Jawbone: Implants help preserve the integrity and strength of the jawbone by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone loss, which commonly occurs after tooth extraction.
• Enhanced Function: They restore proper chewing and speaking abilities, improving overall oral function and comfort.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Dental implants provide a lifelike appearance, and because the surgeon anchors them in the bone, they feel and function like natural teeth.

4. Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery, or gum/periodontal flap surgery, is a surgical procedure experts use to treat advanced gum disease (periodontitis) by removing infected tissue, cleaning the root surfaces of teeth, and reshaping the gum tissue to promote gum health.

Procedure:

1. Initial Assessment: Before periodontal surgery, your surgeon performs an assessment of your gum health. This often involves X-rays and periodontal probing to determine the extent of gum disease.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the surgical area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure.
3. Access Incisions: The oral surgeon makes small incisions in the gum tissue to access the affected areas around the teeth and roots.
4. Scaling and Root Planing: The surgeon removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots and cleans the infected pockets around the teeth. This process, known as scaling and root planing, helps eliminate bacteria and promotes gum healing.
5. Reshaping Gum Tissue: In some cases, the surgeon may reshape or repositione the gum tissue to reduce the depth of gum pockets and promote a healthier gumline.
6. Suturing: The surgeon sutures the incisions, ensuring proper closure and healing.

What to Expect:

• Following periodontal surgery, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and some bleeding. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions on pain management and post-operative care.
• A soft diet and proper oral hygiene practices are essential during the healing process to promote optimal results.
• Regular follow-up appointments with your periodontist are necessary to monitor healing progress and maintain gum health.

Why Someone May Need Periodontal Surgery:

• Treatment of Gum Disease: You may need periodontal surgery when non-surgical treatments, such as deep cleanings and scaling and root planing, have not effectively managed advanced gum disease.
• Gum Pocket Reduction: The procedure helps reduce the depth of gum pockets around the teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and preventing further progression of gum disease.
• Gum Tissue Reshaping: Periodontal surgery can also address cosmetic concerns, such as uneven gumlines or excessive gum tissue, improving the appearance of your smile.

5. Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized surgical procedure experts perform to address irregularities, misalignments, or deformities of the jaw and facial bones. The goal of this surgery is to improve both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the jaw and facial structures.

Procedure:

1. Initial Assessment: The process begins with a thorough evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or orthodontist. This evaluation includes X-rays, 3D imaging, dental impressions, and a detailed examination of the jaw and facial structures.
2. Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, your oral surgeon will design a comprehensive treatment plan, often in collaboration with an orthodontist. The plan outlines the specific surgical corrections needed and the anticipated outcomes.
3. Anesthesia: Surgeons perform corrective jaw surgeries under general anesthesia to ensure that you are completely unconscious and comfortable during the procedure.
4. Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth, typically along the gumline, to access the jawbones. This approach eliminates visible external scars.
5. Repositioning of Jawbones: The surgeon then repositions the upper and/or lower jawbone(s) as needed. This aims to correct misalignment, improve bite function, and enhance facial aesthetics.
6. Securing the Jawbones: Once the jawbones are in their new positions, the surgeon stabilizes them using specialized screws, plates, or other fixation devices. These provide stability during the healing process.
7. Closure: The surgeon closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and carefully monitors the surgical site for proper alignment.

What to Expect:

• After corrective jaw surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Pain management and post-operative care instructions are provided to minimize these effects.
• Your oral surgeon will recommend a liquid or soft diet during the initial recovery period to avoid stressing the newly repositioned jaw.
• Patients may need orthodontic treatment before and after surgery to ensure the teeth fit together properly.

Why Patients May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery:

• Orthodontic Issues: Individuals with severe malocclusion (improper bite) often require jaw surgeries. These are cases that orthodontics alone cannot correct.
• Functional Improvement: It can alleviate issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Corrective jaw surgery can improve facial symmetry and harmony, enhancing a person’s overall appearance.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: In some cases, obstructive sleep apnea requires jaw surgery. This aims to reposition the upper and lower jaws to widen the airway.

Consult Greenberg Oral Surgery Yorktown Heights for Your Dental Needs Today

If you’re in Yorktown Heights and in need of expert oral surgeon near Yorktown Heights, we invite you to consult with Dr. Andrew Greenberg. With a wealth of experience and accolades, Dr. Greenberg is dedicated to providing exceptional oral and maxillofacial surgical services to improve your oral health and overall well-being.

Why Choose Dr. Andrew Greenberg?

• Extensive Training: Dr. Greenberg is a graduate of NYU College of Dentistry and completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Lincoln Hospital/New York Medical College.
• Anesthesia Certification: He is certified in dental general anesthesia, assuring safe and comfortable surgical experiences.
• Professional Memberships: Dr. Greenberg is a member of prestigious associations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the New York State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
• Hospital Affiliation: He holds the rank of Senior Attending in the Department of Surgery at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
• Recognition: Dr. Greenberg has consistently been recognized as one of Westchester’s Top Dentists in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery category.
• Healthcare Hero: He was honored with the 2020 Westchester Magazine Healthcare Heroes Award, exemplifying his dedication to patient care.

Take the first step towards improved oral health and well-being by scheduling at our office which serves Yorktown Heights. Dr. Greenberg will meet your oral surgery needs with expertise, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

Contact us today to book your appointment!