Just the Facts About Dental and Soft Tissue Surgeries

Strong oral health is critical for everyone. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can get in the way of maintaining one’s dental health. That doesn’t mean that people can’t take action, however.

Dental and soft tissue surgeries are used to treat all kinds of oral health concerns. These surgical procedures can come in handy for people who have serious cases of tooth decay. In addition to enhancing the look and function of teeth, soft tissue surgeries can improve one’s general dental health.

Tooth Removal

Tooth extractions are a relatively common and minor form of dental surgery. Various factors can lead a dental patient to need an extraction. Examples are trauma and tooth decay. Additionally, tooth removal is sometimes used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. In some cases, a tooth extraction may require more involved care from an experienced oral surgeon.

Frenectomy and Apicoectomy Surgical Procedures

The word “frena” refers to the tiny tissue folds that reside inside of the mouth. People can find these folds below the bottom lip, within the top lip, and below the tongue. A patient who has issues moving their tongue or lips may be a good candidate for a frenectomy procedure.

Root canals are used to treat the infected pulp of a tooth. Patients sometimes require more than root canals on their own, however. If you experience a dead nerve infection that moves out of your tooth root and over to the nearby bone, you may require a procedure called an apicoectomy. This procedure removes the infected or inflamed tissue as well as the end of the root.

Other Kinds of Dental and Soft Tissue Surgeries

Dental and soft tissue surgery options run the gamut. These procedures can take care of all kinds of oral health needs. A soft tissue graft is one type of treatment that can address and manage a host of oral health concerns. Gum graft surgery involves taking tissue from one area in the mouth and transplanting it into an area of the gums that has receded.

Tissue grafts are often used in patients with visible tooth roots. A graft can help slow and/or prevent gum recession, which can lead to root decay. People who suffer from excessive sensitivity due to overly exposed roots of teeth are also candidates for soft tissue grafts. By creating an even gumline, grafts can also improve your smile and the overall look of your teeth. A minor oral surgery, a gum graft typically takes one to two weeks to heal.

If you’re in South Florida and would like to know more about dental and soft tissue surgeries, turn to Dr. Andrew Slavin and his team at the Good Samaritan Dental Implant Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida.