What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery includes the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, teeth and jaws.
While we always use the least invasive treatment possible for a given dental problem, in some cases, less invasive treatment options are simply not sufficient.
When this is the case, oral surgery will often be recommended to help repair damage to oral structures and support the ongoing health and wellbeing of your smile.
Tooth Extractions
While preserving a natural tooth is always the preferred option, there are some cases where it may not be feasible.
In the instance of severe damage caused by factors such as decay, gum disease or injury, the tooth may have to be extracted by your dentist.
The extraction process is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
After the extraction, your dentist may recommend a replacement option such as a dental implant or a bridge to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.
It's important to note that tooth extraction may not be the only option, so your dentist will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
They will take into consideration the extent of the damage, your overall oral health and your preferences.
At LightHouse Dental Kingston, we strive to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible, but in case of an extraction, we will make sure to provide you with the best options for replacement and guide you through the recovery process.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is a popular solution for replacing missing teeth because it provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, such as a crown or bridge.
Our dentists at LightHouse Dental Kingston place dental implants to assist in restoring your smile and help you regain the ability to chew and speak properly.
The implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a secure and stable base for the replacement tooth. The final result is a replacement tooth that looks and feels much like a natural tooth.
Not only do dental implants restore the function of missing teeth, but they also help prevent jaw bone deterioration and preserve the natural shape of your face.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to appear in the back corners of a typical adult mouth. In some cases, these teeth may not fully emerge, or cause difficulties for oral hygiene such as infection, pain, or tooth crowding. Your dentist may recommend removing them if they pose a threat to your oral health, in order to preserve the overall health of your mouth.