Types of Oral Surgery

Oral surgery (also called maxillofacial surgery) is any procedure that requires your dentist to treat a dental problem in the soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, or face. In most cases, the dentist must go beneath the surface of the gums to get to the root of the issue. Learn about the various types of oral surgeries offered by Dr. Lisa Baker at her Bloomington, IN family dentist office.

Dental Implants

Dental implantation is considered a type of oral surgery. Your dentist must surgically place the tiny titanium implant inside of the gum line. The procedure may require some adjustments or incisions to be made to make room for the implant. Bone grafting is another type of surgery that is sometimes done in advance of dental implants. Grafting strengthens the bone tissue that will support the implant.

Periodontal Surgery

Severe periodontitis is a form of gum disease that affects over five million Americans according to the CDC. One of the most common oral surgeries is periodontal therapy. During this procedure, the gums are opened so that the dentist can remove bad tissue from around the roots of the teeth. Once your Bloomington, IN family dentist removes that bad tissue, healthy tissue has a chance to regenerate. This type of surgery is done in advanced cases of periodontitis to avoid tooth loss.

Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth must be extracted, that is also an oral surgery procedure. Wisdom teeth that become impacted or infected must be removed by your dentist to preserve your oral health. In some cases, they must be extracted as a part of orthodontic treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

After a consultation with your family dentist, you may find that your dental problem may require oral surgery. Call Dr. Lisa Baker’s Bloomington, IN office today at 812-332-2000 to schedule an appointment.