Our Summary

This research paper discusses the types of oral surgery most frequently performed on younger patients, such as exposing and bonding teeth, or surgically removing them. It looks into why these treatments are necessary, how they are carried out for maximum success, and how general dentists play a role in managing these young patients who are undergoing oral surgery. The paper also takes into account the special challenges that arise when performing surgery on younger patients, whose teeth are still growing.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common types of oral surgery performed on younger patients?
  2. How do general dentists manage young patients undergoing oral surgery?
  3. What are some special challenges that arise when performing surgery on younger patients with growing teeth?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes guidelines on eating and drinking before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and caring for the surgical site afterwards to promote healing and prevent infection. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are recommended oral surgery are those who have issues that cannot be addressed through non-surgical means such as medication, lifestyle changes, or non-invasive dental procedures. Some common reasons for recommending oral surgery include:

  • Impacted teeth: When a tooth is unable to fully emerge through the gum line due to being blocked by surrounding teeth, surgery may be necessary to expose and remove the impacted tooth.
  • Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often need to be removed due to crowding, impaction, or risk of infection. This is a common oral surgery procedure performed on young adults.
  • Tooth extraction: Teeth that are severely decayed, damaged, or infected may need to be surgically removed to prevent further complications.
  • Jaw surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws or bite issues may require oral surgery to correct the problem and improve function and aesthetics.
  • Dental implants: Patients who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth may opt for dental implants, which involves surgical placement of artificial tooth roots to support replacement teeth.

Overall, patients who are recommended oral surgery typically have complex dental issues that require specialized treatment beyond what a general dentist can provide. It is important for patients to consult with an oral surgeon to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, go over their medical history, and address any concerns or questions they may have.
  2. Pre-operative instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure and arranging for someone to drive them home afterwards.
  3. Anesthesia: The patient is administered anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.

During oral surgery:

  1. Procedure: The oral surgeon performs the necessary surgical treatment, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or repairing a fractured jaw.
  2. Monitoring: The patient’s vital signs are monitored throughout the surgery to ensure their safety and well-being.

After oral surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored until they are fully awake and alert.
  2. Post-operative care: The patient receives instructions on how to care for their surgical site, manage pain, and prevent complications.
  3. Follow-up appointment: The patient schedules a follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon to check on their healing progress and address any concerns.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring during the procedure, and comprehensive post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of oral surgery do I need and why is it necessary?

  2. What are the risks and complications associated with the oral surgery procedure?

  3. How should I prepare for the oral surgery procedure, including any pre-operative instructions?

  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the oral surgery and what are the potential side effects or risks?

  5. How long is the recovery period expected to be and what can I do to promote healing after the oral surgery?

  6. What post-operative care instructions should I follow and are there any restrictions on activities or diet?

  7. What are the potential long-term effects or outcomes of the oral surgery procedure?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with oral surgery?

  9. How experienced are you in performing this specific type of oral surgery procedure and what is your success rate?

  10. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous patients who have undergone similar oral surgery procedures with you?

Reference

Authors: Bryant C. Journal: Prim Dent J. 2022 Sep;11(3):61-70. doi: 10.1177/20501684221112492. PMID: 36073045