Oral Surgery & Restorative Treatments

Maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile sometimes requires surgical procedures, such as extractions or dental implant surgery. At WA Dental in Federal Way, Washington, the team of experienced family and general dentists use advanced technology and modern techniques to safely perform oral surgery for adolescents, teens, and adults. Call the dental clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about oral surgery.

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery includes a broad spectrum of procedures performed on the teeth, gums, or jaw. At WA Dental, the team performs several surgical procedures to preserve and restore the structures in your mouth. The practice is home to the latest dental technology to ensure the best possible outcome for your procedure.

Are there different types of oral surgery?

There are several types of oral surgery, such as:

Dental implant surgery

Dental implants are titanium screws that replace your tooth roots if you have missing teeth. The team surgically places these durable restorations into your jawbone through your gum socket — the space that once held your tooth — allowing the implant to fuse with the bone. Dental implants keep your replacement teeth in place for a secure and comfortable fit.

Extractions

An extraction involves removing a tooth from the crown through the root. While simple extractions are straightforward, surgical extractions are more complex procedures. 

A surgical extraction is necessary when the tooth is trapped beneath the gum line. The procedure involves making an incision in the gums to locate the tooth. If the tooth is fractured, the team removes it in pieces. 

One of the most common surgical procedures is a wisdom tooth extraction. Between ages 17 and 21, wisdom teeth emerge, but by this time, your jaw is fully developed, leaving little room for wisdom teeth to grow comfortably. To prevent pain and infection, the team recommends removing these third molars.

Why might I need oral surgery?

The WA Dental team may recommend oral surgery if your damaged or decayed tooth puts your surrounding teeth at risk of infection or other complications. Common signs that indicate you need oral surgery include:

• Permanent tooth loss
• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Facial swelling
• Bad breath
• Red, swollen gums
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Fever
• Fatigue

The team may also perform oral surgery if you have a dental abscess. This pus-filled sac can form over your tooth root and cause infection. If an abscess ruptures, it can spread harmful bacteria through your mouth and into your bloodstream. Abscesses are serious dental emergencies that require prompt care.

Call WA Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about oral surgery.