What Are Your Options With Oral Surgery

There are a few common kinds of oral surgery which we offer in-office. Wisdom tooth extractions are needed by many adults when these teeth come in. These back molars often make their appearance during the late teens to early twenties and sometimes…

There are a few common kinds of oral surgery which we offer in-office. Wisdom tooth extractions are needed by many adults when these teeth come in. These back molars often make their appearance during the late teens to early twenties and sometimes require no outside attention. However, many times, these teeth can cause discomfort as they try to fit in with the rest of the adult teeth, and at that point, they may need removal.

Besides pain and discomfort, wisdom teeth can also cause gum-related issues. Furthermore, they can sometimes damage the teeth around them if they are not removed timely and by a certified oral surgeon. More serious complications can occur as well but are not as common, especially if you keep up with regular dental visits. If you are experiencing any discomfort due to incoming wisdom teeth, consultation with our dentists can assure they come out when necessary so that larger problems do not arise.

Occasionally, other teeth besides the wisdom teeth need removal due to issues such as decay or overcrowding. We can also address these types of concerns as well and a visit to the dentist can inform of the best possible choices for each individual patient.

Dental implants are another type of oral surgery and are somewhat similar to crowns or bridges, but do not require the support of existing teeth to hold them in place. Since natural teeth are not used as anchoring supports, there is no grinding or reshaping of existing teeth in order to insert the implant. These implants can replace one tooth or many teeth and the procedure itself is free of pain.

The implanted teeth are placed directly into the jaw bone and because this bone has no nerve endings, there is no pain from the insertion. Local anesthesia, or, anesthesia that affects only one area of the body, is also used to ensure that no discomfort from the pressure of insertion is felt during the procedure.

Dental implants can be a life-changer for those with severely damaged or missing teeth or individuals who experience trouble with the uncomfortable shifting of dentures. With implants, one can chew normally as with natural teeth without discomfort or slippage. Implants can also improve one’s overall oral appearance by eliminating the self-consciousness of decayed or missing teeth. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, you can read our complete implant guide.

Bone grafting is an additional surgical service that we offer that is a little different than the procedures mentioned above due to the fact that it does not directly deal with the teeth. Bone grafting addresses bone and surrounding tissue degradation that can arise due to tooth decay or missing teeth. When teeth (or artificial replacements) are not present, the bone of the jaw weakens. Degradation or loss of bone can cause pain and lead to other, larger concerns such as ineligibility for implants since strong foundational support is needed for any successful oral implants.

The benefits of oral surgery for those who need it can be staggering in terms of increased comfort, decreased pain, and vast improvements in speech, eating, and overall oral appearance. Anyone experiencing any oral problems that are causing any decrease quality of life is urged to make an appointment with us today. Discomfort does not necessarily equal the need for oral surgery, of course, but it is an indicator that something is wrong. Letting minor problems linger can lead to the need for surgery in the future.

Stephen Nozaki, DDS, MPH, DIDIA

Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.