Oral surgery includes a variety of dental procedures. Most are usually recommended to repair severe dental issues. Dr. Thiel will ensure that any surgical treatments you need are completed by the most experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, orthodontists, and other providers available. We will work with these partners to tailor a treatment plan that ensures your complete and seamless care.
We may recommend oral surgery and other procedures for:
Tooth Extractions
A tooth may need to be extracted for several reasons, including decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment.
Apicoectomy
While most root canals are successful, if infection from a dead nerve inside the tooth spreads into the surrounding bone, you may need an apicoectomy to clean out the infection and fill the root.
Exposing Impacted Teeth
Wisdom and regular teeth can be impacted, or blocked, from entering the mouth. Fortunately, many of these teeth can be brought into proper position rather than being removed through the combined efforts of an oral/maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist.
Frenectomy
Frena are small folds of tissue located in the mouth: under the tongue, inside the upper lip, inside the lower lip, and connecting the cheeks to the gums. When the frena are tightly connected, range of motion can be restricted. Being tongue-tied is an example. An oral surgeon can perform a simple procedure to help this condition.
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
A gingivectomy surgically removes diseased or excess gum tissue and the bacteria that can cause periodontitis. Gingivoplasty is the surgical reshaping of gum tissue and is often performed with a gingivectomy.
Crown Lengthening Procedures
Before placing a crown on a tooth that has been weakened by decay, or is cracked or broken, Dr. Thiel may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a procedure to expose additional tooth surface to hold the crown.
TMJ Disorder
Your temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, enabling you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it need to be addressed by a specialist.
Start with Dr. Thiel first for any dental procedure. Call our Worthington office today to request a consultation.