Oral and maxillofacial surgery is an umbrella term that refers to surgical procedures performed for problems affecting the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and face. Dentists who perform oral surgeries go through additional dental specialization for a couple of years. Most oral surgeries are performed with the patient under sedation to avoid pain and discomfort.

Tooth Extraction

A dentist may recommend extraction for several reasons, including:

• Severe gum disease
• Crowding in the mouth
• Injury or trauma
• Overcrowding in wisdom teeth
• Cysts, tumors, or other growths in the jaws
• To make room for orthodontic treatment
• Excessive wear on teeth from grinding or clenching
• Other health conditions that may cause bone loss in the jaw

During a tooth removal procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth to prevent pain and then gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it from its socket in the bone and ligaments that hold it in place. In some cases, the dentist may need to section the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it completely. Once the tooth is removed, stitches may be needed to close the gums. The patient is usually prescribed pain medications and antibiotics following the procedure to ensure a quick recovery. The removed tooth can be replaced with dental implants or a bridge to restore its function and appearance.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a restorative dentistry treatment that replaces missing tooth roots with tooth-like posts. Once the implants are in place, artificial teeth are attached to them to restore your smile’s natural look and function. They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!

If you’ve lost a tooth or multiple teeth and you are looking for a way to replace them, dental implants are an excellent treatment option to consider! We will conduct a thorough examination to see if you are a candidate for this advanced procedure. We will also discuss the benefits of implants with you so that you can make an informed decision.

For this procedure, we surgically place the implant post into the bone socket of your missing tooth so the jaw bone and the gum tissue can heal around it. Once the tissues have healed around the newly placed implant, we will be able to attach a temporary restoration to it. This temporary restoration will be replaced once your jawbone heals around the new implant, and we can then fabricate the permanent restoration. Once your final restoration is complete, you will be able to eat, speak, and smile with ease again!

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a procedure performed to remove the infected pulp from a tooth to save it and avoid extraction. Tooth decay or trauma can lead to infection, and if left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the bone of the tooth and cause severe damage. If you are experiencing any symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal treatment, it is important to see a dentist right away.

At our dental practice, we can perform a root canal treatment to save your natural teeth and restore your smile with natural-looking results. After a root canal, your tooth may be sensitive, or you may experience pain when biting pressure is applied. Over-the-counter medication can be prescribed to minimize discomfort until you are fully healed. Most patients are able to resume normal activities the day after their root canal.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Atwood Family Dentistry, call (208) 528-6684 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 1759 W Broadway, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.