Procedures
Oral Surgery at AZ Max
Oral Surgery at AZ Max
Oral and maxillofacial surgery may seem intimidating, but it’s a routine part of healthcare.
Thousands of oral surgeries are performed daily to improve oral health and quality of life. This specialized field of medicine focuses on the surgical treatment of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and facial bones.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers hybrid dental implants in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low, and Tempe, AZ.
Key Takeaway
Oral surgery is a specialized medical field focused on treating complex conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial structures to improve oral health, function, and overall quality of life.
Difference Between An Oral Surgeon And A Dentist
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive four additional years of training beyond dental school.
This extra training equips them to perform complex procedures that go beyond what is learned in dental school. Their expertise includes a wide variety of surgical care options.
Why Do I Need To See An Oral Surgeon?
An oral surgeon is trained to handle complex cases that require surgery, such as:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Dental implants
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Fractures and lacerations
- Oral Pathology
- Facial cosmetics
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Oral surgeons are specialists in a number of surgical procedures. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for procedures that they are not comfortable performing.
Here is a list of some of the most common oral surgery procedures.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in. They typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Because there is often not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, they can become impacted or stuck beneath the gum line.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or other reasons.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. A metal post is placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone. Once the post is securely in place, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects jaw misalignment to improve oral function and facial symmetry.
Jaw surgery may be recommended to correct an improper bite or to reposition the jaw to improve oral function.
Bone Grafting Procedures
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in the jaw. Bone grafts can be used to repair bones that are damaged by injury or disease.
They can also be used to build up the jawbone to support dental implants. There are many different types of bone graft options available, and your oral surgeon will determine which is best for you based on your individual needs.
Temporomandibular Joint Surgery
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.
TMJ disorders (TMD) cause facial pain, jaw dysfunction, and headaches. Several factors can cause TMD, including teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ injury, and arthritis.
Treatment for TMD can vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include oral surgery. A TMJ surgery may include TMJ arthroscopy, open joint surgery, or the placement of artificial joints.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology is the study of diseases of the oral cavity.
Oral pathology can include a wide range of conditions, including oral cancer, benign tumors, cysts, and other growths.
- Oral cancer develops in the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, and lining of the mouth. Oral cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, so it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups.
- Benign tumors are growths that do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can still cause problems if they grow large enough to interfere with oral function or affect the appearance of the mouth.
- Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the oral cavity. They are usually benign but can sometimes become infected.
Trauma Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat oral and facial trauma.
Injuries to teeth, jaws, lips, gums, and facial bones often require surgical repair. Trauma surgery can address fractures, lacerations, and other damage to restore appearance and function.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing for short periods during sleep.
Oral surgeons are trained to treat sleep apnea with oral appliances or surgery. Oral appliances are mouthpieces worn during sleep to keep the airway open. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue blocking the airway.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that can cause eating, speaking, and hearing problems.
It can also be a split or opening in the upper lip that can extend into the nose. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat cleft lip and palate with surgery. Surgery may be performed to close the opening in the lip or palate or to improve the function of the mouth.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove the frenulum. The frenulum is a small piece of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
This procedure may be recommended if the frenulum is too short or tight, which can cause problems with eating, speaking, or oral hygiene.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm and comfortable during oral surgery procedures. Oral surgeons undergo additional training to safely administer sedation.
The most common types of sedation include:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral sedation
- Intravenous (IV) sedation
Sedation options make it easier for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive surgical care to receive treatment in a relaxed state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Minor procedures may only require a day of rest, while major surgeries could take several days.
It is recommended that you not smoke at all after oral surgery. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
You can eat soft foods as soon as you’re ready. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you heal. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions for the best results.
Experience The AZ Max Difference
At AZ Max, we provide expert surgical care in a comfortable environment.
We offer a full scope of surgery with expertise ranging from wisdom teeth removal, dental implant surgery, and gum grafts to a wide variety of treatment options.
We are committed to improving your quality of life through effective, compassionate care. Financing options are available to ensure you get the treatment you need.
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
