Surgical Dental Treatments

Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery in Istanbul is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the treatment of both soft tissue (cheeks, palate, tongue, lips, muscles) and hard tissue (teeth, bones) pathologies such as cysts or tumors that develop in the oral cavity. It also includes the extraction or retention of impacted or embedded teeth and corrective procedures to assist in prosthesis construction. Oral surgeons possess extensive training and expertise to perform these intricate procedures, addressing various dental and facial issues to restore oral health and functionality.

These oral surgeons in Istanbul, Turkey utilize cutting-edge technology and techniques to perform a wide array of procedures, including dental implant placement, wisdom tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of facial trauma, and removal of oral cysts or tumors.

By addressing these complex issues, oral and maxillofacial surgery in Istanbul plays a vital role in improving patients’ oral health, function, and overall quality of life.

Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery

Jaw and facial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, and salivary gland disorders are also within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Additionally, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of oral manifestations of certain systemic diseases are conducted.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery in Istanbul also encompasses the management of complex conditions such as jaw and facial pain, often stemming from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These disorders can cause significant discomfort and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, affecting chewing, speaking, and overall quality of life.

Salivary gland disorders, which can lead to pain, swelling, and dry mouth, are also addressed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Turkey. Moreover, these specialists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring oral manifestations of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, further highlighting their comprehensive approach to oral and facial health.

Wisdom Teeth

As we all know, the last teeth to continue growing in our mouths are the third molars. They usually start erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Whether or not these teeth should be retained in the mouth is a matter of debate. If they erupt in the correct position and do not cause harm to the surrounding tissues, there is no harm in keeping these teeth in place.

If a tooth is fused to the jawbone and is found to be in an abnormal position (detected by X-ray), extraction may be decided to prevent future damage. In cases of space constraint behind the tooth, its eruption may be obstructed by the gum, bone, or other neighboring teeth.

What are the Situations That Require the Extraction of Wisdom Teeth?

Tooth Decay

Saliva, bacteria, and food particles accumulate in the socket created by the emerging tooth, posing a threat to both the wisdom tooth and the adjacent molar. It is quite challenging to detect and treat these types of decay. Severe symptoms such as pain, infection, and resulting abscesses may occur.

Tooth decay in wisdom teeth, often attributed to their difficult-to-reach location at the back of the mouth, can lead to a range of complications if left untreated. The accumulation of bacteria and food debris in the partially erupted or impacted tooth can create an ideal environment for decay to flourish, often undetected until the symptoms become severe. This decay can not only compromise the structural integrity of the wisdom tooth but also pose a risk to the neighboring molar, potentially leading to widespread infection and pain. In such cases, extraction of the wisdom tooth is often the recommended course of action to prevent further damage and preserve oral health.

Gum Disease (Pericoronitis)

A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a focus of infection where bacteria and food debris accumulate within the gum. This condition can cause bad breath, pain, swelling, and trismus (inability to fully open the mouth). The infection can spread to the cheek and neck through lymphs. The susceptible environment around the wisdom tooth is prone to recurring infections.

Pericoronitis, a specific type of gum disease, often arises when a wisdom tooth partially erupts through the gumline, leaving a flap of tissue covering a portion of the tooth. This creates a difficult-to-clean area where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection and inflammation. Dentists frequently encounter cases of pericoronitis among young adults, as wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If left untreated, pericoronitis can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth, necessitating prompt dental attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

Pressure Discomfort

Dental professionals often see cases where the eruption of wisdom teeth causes significant pressure discomfort in the adjacent teeth. As wisdom teeth emerge, they can exert force on neighboring molars, leading to a feeling of crowding and tightness in the mouth. This pressure can be particularly uncomfortable if there is insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth. In some cases, the constant pressure can even lead to abrasion or wear on the adjacent teeth, compromising their structural integrity.

This pressure-induced discomfort can interfere with proper oral hygiene, making it difficult to clean the teeth effectively. This can further exacerbate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In such cases, where the pressure discomfort is significant or poses a risk to the neighboring teeth, extraction of the wisdom teeth is often recommended by dentists in Istanbul. This preventive measure can alleviate discomfort, protect the adjacent teeth from damage, and prevent future complications.

Orthodontic Reasons

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, is a common practice in Istanbul for young adults and teenagers seeking to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. However, the presence of wisdom teeth can pose a significant challenge to the success of orthodontic treatment. As wisdom teeth emerge, their eruptive force can exert pressure on the surrounding teeth, potentially causing them to shift or crowd together. This can not only disrupt the progress of orthodontic treatment but also lead to relapse after the braces are removed.

Orthodontists often recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth before or during orthodontic treatment to prevent these complications. By removing the wisdom teeth, orthodontists can create more space in the mouth, allowing for proper alignment of the remaining teeth and a more predictable outcome of orthodontic treatment. This preventive measure can save patients from the need for additional orthodontic interventions in the future and ensure a lasting, beautiful smile.

Prosthesis Reasons

Prosthesis, such as dentures or bridges, are often used to replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. However, the presence of wisdom teeth can significantly impact the design and fit of these prosthetic devices. In Istanbul, dental professionals carefully evaluate the position and condition of wisdom teeth before proceeding with prosthesis treatment.

If wisdom teeth are present and likely to erupt or cause problems in the future, extraction may be recommended before the prosthesis is made. This is because the eruption of wisdom teeth can alter the shape of the jawbone and the alignment of the remaining teeth, potentially compromising the fit and functionality of the prosthesis. By removing wisdom teeth prior to prosthesis placement, dentists in Istanbul can ensure a more stable and comfortable fit, preventing future complications and the need for adjustments or replacements.

Cyst Formation

Dental professionals often encounter cases where impacted wisdom teeth, those that fail to erupt properly, can lead to the formation of cysts. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop around the impacted tooth, often as a result of the body’s response to the trapped tooth. While initially small and asymptomatic, these cysts can gradually enlarge over time, causing significant damage to the surrounding bone and tissues.

As the cysts grow, they can lead to bone resorption, a process where the bone surrounding the impacted tooth is gradually dissolved. This can weaken the jawbone, leading to jaw expansion and potentially even displacement or damage to adjacent teeth. In severe cases, large cysts can transform into tumors or significantly increase the risk of spontaneous fractures in the jawbone. Therefore, early detection and intervention are crucial in managing cyst formation associated with impacted wisdom teeth.

Dental professionals utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D scans, to accurately diagnose and assess the size and extent of the cyst. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve the surgical removal of both the impacted wisdom tooth and the cyst to prevent further damage and preserve oral health.