Editing Oral Surgery

{{Infobox medical procedure
| name            = Oral Surgery
| image           = 
| caption         = Common surgical instruments used in dentoalveolar procedures.
| specialty       = [[Dentistry]], [[Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery]]
| focus           = Diagnosis and surgical treatment of oral diseases and injuries.
| related_fields  = [[Periodontology]], [[Implantology]], [[Anesthesiology]]
}}

==Definition==
'''Oral Surgery''' refers to any medical procedure performed in the [[oral cavity]] or on the jaws to treat a variety of conditions, defects, or injuries. While it is a recognized specialty (see [[Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery]]), many "minor" oral surgeries are performed by general practitioners in a clinical setting.

The primary goal of oral surgery is to restore function, alleviate pain, or resolve pathological conditions that cannot be managed through non-surgical means.

==Common Procedures==

===1. Dentoalveolar Surgery===
The most frequent category of oral surgery, involving the teeth and their supporting bone.
* '''[[Tooth Extraction]]''': The removal of a tooth from its socket in the [[alveolar process]].
* '''Surgical Extraction''': Required when a tooth is not easily accessible (e.g., broken at the gum line) and requires a soft tissue flap and bone removal.
* '''[[Impacted teeth]]''': Most commonly involving the third molars (wisdom teeth) that fail to erupt properly.


[Image of an impacted wisdom tooth classification]


===2. Preprosthetic Surgery===
Surgical preparation of the mouth before the placement of [[dentures]] or other prostheses.
* '''[[Alveoloplasty]]''': Reshaping and smoothing the jawbone after extractions.
* '''[[Torus Palatinus|Tori Removal]]''': The surgical reduction of bony outgrowths (tori) that interfere with denture fit.
* '''Frenectomy''': The removal of a "frenum" (fold of tissue) that may be causing a gap between teeth or interfering with tongue movement.

===3. Biopsy and Pathology Management===
When an abnormal lesion is found during a [[Stomatology|stomatological]] exam, oral surgery is required to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
* '''[[Incisional Biopsy]]''': Removing a small piece of a large lesion.
* '''[[Excisional Biopsy]]''': Removing the entire lesion (often used for small growths like fibromas).

===4. Periradicular Surgery===
Surgical procedures related to the root of the tooth, often performed when [[Endodontic Therapy]] fails.
* '''[[Apicoectomy]]''': The removal of the root tip and the surrounding infected tissue.


==Surgical Principles==
Success in oral surgery relies on several fundamental principles:
* '''[[Asepsis]]''': Maintaining a sterile or highly clean environment to prevent post-operative infection.
* '''Hemostasis''': Controlling bleeding during and after the procedure through pressure, suturing, or hemostatic agents.
* '''Flap Design''': Creating surgical incisions that preserve the blood supply to the soft tissue and allow for proper healing.
* '''[[Suturing]]''': The use of stitches (resorbable or non-resorbable) to close wounds and promote primary intention healing.

==Anesthesia and Sedation==
Oral surgery requires effective pain management. Depending on the complexity and patient anxiety, options include:
* '''[[Local Anesthesia]]''': Numbing a specific area (e.g., IANB for the [[mandible]]).
* '''[[Nitrous Oxide]]''': "Laughing gas" for mild sedation.
* '''[[Intravenous Sedation]]''': Inducing a state of deep relaxation while the patient remains conscious.

==Post-Operative Complications==
* '''[[Alveolar Osteitis]] (Dry Socket)''': Loss of the blood clot in an extraction site, leading to exposed bone and severe pain.
* '''Paresthesia''': Numbness or tingling caused by nerve trauma (often the [[Inferior Alveolar Nerve]]).
* '''Trismus''': "Lockjaw" or limited opening of the mouth due to muscle inflammation.

==See Also==
* [[Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery]]
* [[Tooth extraction]]
* [[Dental implant]]
* [[Local anesthesia]]

[[Category:Dental Procedures]]
[[Category:Surgery]]
[[Category:Oral Surgery]]