Sometimes, standard dentistry just won't cut it. When an oral health issue won't back down no matter what you try at home, it may be time to move beyond the basics. Inflammatory disease or irreversible damage to your teeth or mouth often calls for a more targeted approach ā that's where oral surgery and periodontics come in.
The term "oral surgery" might sound intense, conjuring images of hospital stays and major procedures, but in a dental setting it's often far more routine than that. Many common treatments ā like tooth extractions and dental implants ā technically fall under this category. In general, oral surgery addresses diseases, injuries, damage, and defects affecting the head, neck, face, oral tissues, and jaw.
Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the structures that support your teeth ā your gums, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. These are known as periodontal diseases, and they typically show up as inflammation or bleeding in the gums. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss ā which is why timely treatment matters.
Dental surgeons and periodontists perform a range of procedures depending on your specific needs. Dr. Hage offers the following oral surgery and periodontics services:
This is one of the most common oral surgery procedures, typically needed when the jaw doesn't have enough room for wisdom teeth to come in properly. Even with adequate space, wisdom teeth can emerge at odd angles, leading to swelling, discomfort, or infection ā all reasons removal may be recommended.
If your gum line isn't quite how you'd like it ā whether it shows too much or too little of your teeth ā cosmetic gum surgery can help reshape things to your preference.
Implants offer a reliable way to replace teeth that are damaged beyond repair or already missing. The compromised tooth is removed, and a replacement ā designed to look and function like a natural tooth ā is surgically placed in its spot.
When gum disease has damaged bone in the mouth, a bone graft can help rebuild it. Grafts may use bone from your own body, a synthetic material, or donor tissue. Once in place, the graft serves as a foundation that supports new bone growth in the affected area.
This procedure involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and grafting it onto areas with damaged or receding gums, helping reinforce the area and support healing.
Also called flap surgery, this procedure involves gently pulling back the gums to clear out built-up tartar and smooth irregular surfaces where bacteria tend to collect. Once complete, the gums are repositioned and reattached snugly to the tooth, closing off the space where bacteria could otherwise hide.
If you're dealing with gum issues or another oral health concern, the team at Smile Designers Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Diego is here to help. Our experienced oral surgeons and periodontists will work to get your teeth, mouth, and gums back on track. To learn more or schedule an exam, call us at (619) 222-6000.
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