What is reconstructive oral surgery? When is it recommended? We provide some facts about and signs of when it's needed.
What is reconstructive oral surgery?
Accidents happen. From falls at work to sports injuries, damage to your teeth can be stressful and scary. They may also impact your long-term oral health.
An oral surgeon may recommend reconstructive surgery to restore your smile's function and appearance. Facial reconstruction can be broken into two categories, fractures and soft tissue injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve trauma to skin and gums, including cuts on the hard and soft palates, lips and tongue.
Fractures
If the bone tissue in your mouth is injured—including teeth, jawbones or facial bones—they may need reconstruction.
If the tiny bone tissue in your mouth is injured - including the teeth, upper or lower jaw or facial bones - they could need reconstruction.
Jaw defects can seriously impact your quality of life in terms of appearance and function, affecting confidence, the ability to speak, eat and chew properly and the appearance of your face and smile.
You might require facial reconstructive surgery if you receive any of these dental services:
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Dental implants
- Jaw surgery
- Bone grafting
What does it involve?
Depending on your injury, dental implants or other options may be used to repair bone and jaw alignment.
Maxillofacial Reconstruction
Maxillofacial reconstruction includes many different surgeries, from bone grafting to transplants.
Rehabilitation
After a surgeon has completed the reconstructive surgery, your oral cavity must be rehabilitated and gums and teeth must be replaced to help get your smile back to normal.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can guide you through every stage of treatment, including:
- Ablative resection
- Microvascular reconstruction
- Dental implant placement
Though oral reconstructive surgery looks intimidating, an oral surgeon can answer your questions.
A dentist or oral surgeon will work with you throughout the reconstructive surgical process.
