Oral Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Oral surgery is a broad term used to describe a variety of surgical procedures that are aimed at addressing problems involving the teeth, gums, and jaw bones. Some of the most common oral surgery procedures include tooth extractions, dental bone grafts, wisdom tooth extractions, and dental implant placements. 

Oral surgery is safe and effective when performed by a skilled dentist in Birmingham, AL like Dr. Cotant at AC Dentistry.

When Might You Need Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery procedures serve a variety of purposes, from treating impacted teeth to correcting cosmetic issues. The most common types of oral surgery procedures are extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and implant placement.

Types of Oral Surgery

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a procedure a dentist can perform for a variety of reasons, such as tooth decay, infection, gum disease, or crowding. During the procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent the patient from feeling any pain. 

Using forceps, the dentist will grasp the tooth and loosen it from its socket. After the extraction, the dentist will clean the area and then place gauze over the socket, which will need to be held in place by the patient for some time.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are a popular type of oral surgery. They’re small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Once the post is placed, it is allowed to heal. Once it is healed, a crown or another tooth replacement option can be placed on top.

Dental implants offer many benefits. They look and feel like natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell that you have one. They can also prevent jawbone loss, which can lead to other problems.

Bone Grafting

One of the most common types of oral surgery is bone grafting. It is needed when the jaw bone doesn’t have enough density to support a dental implant. Bone grafting is fairly straightforward and involves the preparation of the jaw bone, the application of grafting material, and suture placement.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the maxillary sinus membrane. This is sometimes necessary when a patient has insufficient bone volume for a dental implant to be placed.

During a sinus lift, an incision is made along the back of the patient’s gums. The periodontist then lifts the sinus membrane and fills in the area with bone or bone-like material. The incision is then sutured closed so the wound can heal properly.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is recommended for patients who experience difficulties speaking or who have an open bite. A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery that can be completed in one visit. The procedure involves cutting the frenum with a scalpel.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you have severe sleep apnea and haven’t found relief from other treatments, oral surgery may be the solution. 

How Is Oral Surgery Performed?

How oral surgery is performed depends on the specific procedure. Most procedures are done either under local or general anesthesia. Simpler procedures such as tooth extractions and biopsies may be performed under local anesthesia. More complex procedures such as jaw surgery or root canal treatment may require general anesthesia.

 

Visit AC Dentistry at 7350 Cahaba Valley Rd. #106, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 533-6799 to learn more about the benefits of oral surgery.

General Dentistry

• Cleanings & Exams
• Gum Treatments
• Halitosis Evaluation
• Night Guards
• Sports Guards
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Dental Sealants
• Fluoride Treatments
• Sleep Apnea / Oral Therapy
• TMJ Treatment
• Extractions
• Oral Surgery
• Emergency Care

Restorative Dentistry

• Dental Implant Restoration
• Crowns & Bridges
• Root Canal Therapy
• Tooth-Colored Fillings
• Dentures (Full & Partial)

Cosmetic Dentistry

• Smile Makeovers – Individually Designed for Each Patient
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation for Patients With Wear
• Veneers – Porcelain and Chairside Composite
• Orthodontics – ClearCorrect™
• Dental Bonding
• Teeth Whitening – 3 Levels: In-Office Touch-Up, Custom-Made Take-Home Whitening Trays, Professional In-Office KöR® Whitening

Advanced Technology

• Automatic Appointment Reminders
• Digital X-Rays
• Digital Imaging
• E-Claims for Insurance
• Indentafi® Oral Cancer Screening
• Intraoral Cameras
• Paperless Charting
• Telescopic Loupe