What Signs Indicate The Need For Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’ve never had more than a filling, the thought of oral surgery may feel daunting, but knowing what to expect for surgical procedures can give you more confidence. To remove some worry and help you arrive better prepared, we’ve decided to share a few facts about the most common procedures we perform.

WISDOM TEETH

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Though they may not cause issues every time, the average mouth does not have enough room to support the extra teeth. This can cause your teeth to become impacted between the gums and jawbone, causing swelling, pain, and infection affecting the health of surrounding teeth.

After a dentist has seen your x-ray, they can determine whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth removed. During this procedure, the teeth are removed through a surgical incision and stitched closed to aid in healing. Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that takes a few days to fully recover.

ROOT CANAL

Root canals are widely regarded as the most common type of oral surgery with millions of teeth being treated every year. Underneath the surface of your teeth is a soft core known as dental pulp which contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and tissue. When a tooth starts to decay and is left untreated, bacteria can enter the tooth and begin to infect the pulp. This infection will cause pain, swelling, and sensitivity.

During a root canal, the decayed part of the tooth is removed and the infected pulp extracted. Once the tooth is thoroughly clean, it is then sealed. The final step is to restore your tooth using a crown or larger filling to protect it from damage and restore your tooth to full functionality. Root canals are typically outpatient procedures that may be broken up into smaller parts to ensure proper treatment and may take a few days to fully recover.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

If you have lost a tooth due to injury or infection, a dental implant can help fill the gap. Dental implants replace the root or roots of a tooth. They are used to secure crowns to the jawbone using a metal post made of titanium or titanium alloy. These metals are lightweight and biocompatible meaning they are less likely to be rejected by the body.

Dental implants are a longer type of dental surgery as it takes time for the bone to properly fuse around the implant before the artificial tooth can be placed. The procedure is typically broken into two procedures. First, the mounting system will be installed. After approximately two months and the site is healed, the artificial replacement tooth will be attached. You may use a temporary cosmetic tooth during the healing process which will conceal the gap in your teeth.

Dental implants can significantly improve your quality of life as they restore functionality and confidence in your smile.

SURGERY

Accidents can happen and cause facial trauma that may affect your oral health. Reconstructive surgery can help you regain function and correct any injuries that may have occurred. Though the patient’s condition will determine the best treatment option, reconstructive surgery is generally broken into two types: soft tissue injuries and fractures.

Soft tissue injuries include damage to the gums, tongue, cheeks, or palate. Fractures refer to damage directly to the jawbone, teeth, and any bone tissue within the mouth.

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea is a condition that involves pauses in breathing during sleep which can be caused by a variety of conditions. If conservative treatments do not reduce symptoms of sleep apnea, surgical intervention may be the solution.

During this procedure, excess tissue from the lower jaw or back of the throat is removed to alleviate and reduce symptoms. Laser surgery may also be used to tighten the palate to prevent soft tissues from collapsing on the airway during sleep.

We hope that with this new knowledge you have a better understanding of these common oral surgeries. Whatever your oral needs may be, we are here to assist you every step of the way by addressing any worries and concerns about procedures and ensuring your needs and comfort come first.

For more information on these common oral surgeries or to schedule an appointment, please contact Infinite Orthodontics today.

5 BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
1. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate speech impediments.
Your teeth and jaw play an essential role in your ability to speak clearly. Misaligned teeth can affect your speech pattern. Orthodontic treatment can reposition your teeth to allow for clearer, more precise speech. This can improve self-confidence, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.

2. Orthodontic treatment can decrease your risk of oral disease.
An uneven smile with misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean, brush, and floss properly due to deep crevices between teeth. These hard-to-reach places can allow harmful bacteria to build up and turn into tartar and plaque leading to the development of cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to bone loss within the jaw and possibly the loss of teeth. Straightening your teeth through orthodontic treatment helps enable you to clean them properly and can considerably lower your risk for oral health conditions.

3. Orthodontic treatment can improve jaw function.
Sometimes orthodontic treatment can be used to correct a bad bite or malocclusion. Ensuring your bite fits together is important as misaligned teeth can place additional stress on the jaw and supporting structures of the mouth. This pressure can lead to abnormal wear-and-tear causing discomfort or pain and affecting your ability to chew, bite, and even speak.

After orthodontic treatment, your jaw can return to its natural position reducing pain, improving function, and relieving other symptoms of jaw dysfunction such as migraines, neck pain, and facial pain.

4. Orthodontic treatment can lower your risk of oral injury.
A malocclusion or misaligned teeth can weaken your teeth and their supporting structure making your teeth more susceptible to chipping and breaking up. This can be especially true for patients who often engage in high-contact activities such as sports. This can lead to infection and the need for extraction in severe cases.

5. Orthodontic treatment promotes a healthy body.
A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. Your teeth and jaw work to break down your food effectively before it reaches your stomach. Misaligned teeth or malocclusions can cause large bites to not be broken down correctly increases the risk of reflux. This can affect your stomach lining and possibly tooth enamel. This poor digestion can even impact your body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly. There is also some medical evidence that supports oral health in connection to a variety of health issues beyond the mouth such as an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Harmful bacteria can enter from the mouth and make its way to the bloodstream, lungs, and gut affecting the entire immune system. Orthodontic treatment can help to decrease your risk of these health conditions by promoting good oral health to limit your exposure.

Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of any age. Early treatment, especially in children, can help to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime saving many patients time and money in the long run. The length of treatment will vary depending on each patient’s condition and overall goal. For more information on the benefits of orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact Infinite Orthodontics office.