Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is an essential branch of modern medicine, focusing on the treatment of the jaw, teeth, and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Oral surgery covers a wide range of procedures, from simple tooth extractions to complex treatments for tumors and the healing of various injuries. This comprehensive guide will explain the most common oral surgical procedures, their necessity, and how they are performed, so that you can better understand when and why such interventions might be needed. Learn how this field can help maintain a healthy smile and improve your quality of life at Újbuda Medical Center, located on Fehérvári Road in District 11 of Budapest, Újbuda.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction might seem like a drastic step for many, but there are numerous situations where it is the only effective solution to maintain the patient's health and comfort. Below are some cases where tooth removal may become necessary:

• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth are usually a result of advanced periodontal disease, which causes inflammation and tissue damage between the teeth and the surrounding bones. Extracting loose teeth can prevent damage to surrounding healthy teeth and stop further periodontal issues from developing.
• Damaged or Dead Tooth Roots: If the tooth root is damaged, fractured, or dead, and standard dental treatments like root canal therapy are no longer effective, extraction may be required. Damaged roots often lead to inflammation, pain, and swelling, so removal can alleviate these symptoms.
• Advanced Decay: Severe tooth decay can damage the tooth's crown to the point where it can no longer be restored with fillings, crowns, or other techniques. If the crown is too damaged to save the tooth, extraction becomes necessary to prevent further pain and complications.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When Is It Necessary?

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures performed for various reasons. Wisdom teeth, being the last to emerge, often cause problems and may require surgical extraction due to the following reasons:

• Lack of Space: There is often insufficient space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, causing them to remain partially or completely trapped under the gums. This can lead to difficulty cleaning, inflammation, pain, and other complications, such as infections or cyst formation.
• Pericoronitis: This painful condition occurs when the tissues around an impacted wisdom tooth become inflamed, leading to swelling and infection. In recurrent cases, removing the wisdom tooth is often the only effective solution.
• Orthodontic Treatments: In many orthodontic cases, extra space is needed to properly align the teeth. Removing wisdom teeth can create the necessary room for the successful alignment of the other teeth during orthodontic treatment.
• Protection of Adjacent Teeth: Abnormally erupted wisdom teeth can damage neighboring teeth by promoting decay or hindering the restoration of adjacent teeth. Removing the wisdom teeth can help preserve the health of neighboring teeth.
• Chronic Pain or Infection: If the area around the wisdom teeth is frequently inflamed, painful, or infected, and other treatments fail to resolve the problem, removing the teeth is the best solution to prevent further pain and complications.

Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extraction is unavoidable when a tooth cannot be saved, such as in cases of severe damage or necrosis. The extraction process involves several steps, which are explained below so patients can understand the procedure:

• Local Anesthesia: The first step is administering local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free. The anesthetic is applied directly to the treatment area, and in cases of multiple extractions or severe anxiety, sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
• Tooth Removal: Special instruments such as forceps are used to remove the tooth from its socket. The dentist will gently but effectively extract the tooth. In more complicated cases, such as broken roots or deeply embedded teeth, sectioning the tooth or exposing surrounding tissues may be necessary.
• Wound Care: After the tooth is removed, the wound is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining tissue fragments and minimize the risk of infection. Stitches may be used if necessary to aid the healing process and reduce bleeding.
• Aftercare: Patients will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the wound. It is important to avoid smoking, refrain from heavy physical activity, and maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure a quick and uncomplicated recovery.

Root Apex Resection

Root apex resection is a specialized oral surgical procedure used when there is recurring inflammation at the apex of a root-treated tooth. The aim of this surgery is to eliminate inflammatory processes and save the tooth.

• Preparation and Diagnosis: Before surgery, detailed diagnostic tests, including X-rays, are required to determine the exact location and extent of the inflammation. The doctor will carefully assess the area and plan the surgery.
• Local Anesthesia: The root apex resection is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring complete pain relief for the patient. Sedation or general anesthesia may be used if necessary, especially if the patient is anxious or struggles with medical procedures.
• Surgical Procedure: An incision is made in the gum to access the inflamed root tip. The root tip and surrounding inflamed tissues are carefully removed, and the root canal is resealed to prevent further infections.
• Wound Closure and Healing: After the surgery, the gum is stitched to promote quick and smooth healing. Patients will receive instructions on wound care, including maintaining oral hygiene and limiting physical activity during the recovery period.

Sinus Closure

Sinus closure is a specialized oral surgery procedure required when the sinus cavity in the upper jaw becomes exposed during the removal of molars. This procedure is crucial to prevent infections and other complications.

• Preparation and Diagnosis: Before surgery, thorough diagnostic exams such as X-rays or CT scans are performed to assess the condition of the sinus.
• Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for complete pain relief, with the option of sedation or general anesthesia if needed.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision in the gum to access the sinus cavity. Special surgical techniques, such as flap creation, are used to close the sinus opening and prevent infection.
• Wound Closure: The surgical site is closed with sterile stitches to ensure quick and hygienic healing.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a crucial procedure for the successful placement of dental implants, especially when the bone height in the upper jaw is insufficient. This specialized oral surgery increases bone height in the area of the upper molars, allowing for stable implant placement.

• Closed Sinus Lift: This method is used for minor bone deficits, where bone graft material is introduced into the sinus through the site of the planned implant, which gradually integrates with the bone.
• Open Sinus Lift: Required for larger bone loss, this method involves opening a bone window on the outer side of the jaw. Bone graft material is placed here and covered with a membrane to promote healing and bone integration.

Why Should You See an Oral Surgeon?

Oral surgery procedures not only help maintain the health of teeth and jaws but also significantly improve a patient's overall quality of life. Timely application of the appropriate treatments can prevent more serious health issues and maintain a healthy, aesthetically pleasing smile in the long term. If you experience any oral issues, it is advisable to consult an oral surgeon at Újbuda Medical Dental on Fehérvári Road in District 11 of Budapest to receive the most suitable treatment and preserve the health and beauty of your smile for the future.