Oral Surgery Specialist

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery refers to a group of medical procedures used to correct problems with your gums, teeth, or jaw. At Japantown Dental, the team performs oral surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home immediately following your procedure.

Most oral health problems respond well to conservative measures of care, like deep cleanings and minor restorations. However, more extensive damage or decay often requires surgical intervention.

What are the types of oral surgery?

The team at Japantown Dental offers several types of oral surgery, including:

Tooth extractions

Tooth extraction is a type of oral surgery used to remove a damaged or decaying tooth. Tooth extractions fall under two categories: surgical or simple. During a simple extraction, the team uses a tool called an elevator to loosen your tooth and remove it.

A surgical extraction treats impacted teeth below your gum line. The team makes an incision in your gums, separates the affected tooth into several pieces, and removes each piece one at a time. The majority of tooth extractions take less than an hour.

Placement of dental implants

If you’re missing some or all of your teeth, dental implants can restore your smile to its near-original condition. During a dental implant procedure, the team places a small metal post into your gum line. Following treatment, your jawbone grows around the implant, cementing it in place.

Root canal

If the soft center of your tooth (pulp) becomes infected or inflamed, you might benefit from a root canal. During a root canal, the team removes your tooth pulp, cleans the center of your tooth, and bonds a crown on top. That restores your tooth’s strength, size, and shape while preventing the need for an extraction.

Gum grafts

If you have an advanced case of gum disease, the team might recommend a gum graft. A gum graft is a procedure used to restore receding gum tissue. The team removes a small flap of tissue from the roof of your mouth and sutures it on top of an area where your gum tissue is missing. 

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for oral surgery?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for oral surgery, the team at Japantown Dental conducts an oral exam, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and reviews your oral health history. The team then orders oral X-rays to get a detailed look at your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone.

Whenever possible, the team recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments. However, more serious issues may require surgical intervention.

To learn more about oral surgery, schedule a consultation at Japantown Dental. Book an appointment online or call the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative team today.