Dental surgery, or oral surgery, are surgeries that involve the components of the mouth, namely the teeth, gums, jaw, or any of the above.  Dental surgery can be performed for two reasons: the first as a therapeutic measure, and the second as a cosmetic restoration of the teeth or gums.  It is not uncommon for one to follow the other.

Dental Surgery Background

Dentists and surgery always go hand in hand.  Operative dentistry is the purpose of a great many dental visits, as dental surgery is a vital part of maintaining and restoring oral and dental health and such things as aesthetic appearance.  Common dental surgeries include route canal and dental implant surgery.

Cosmetic Dental Surgery

Cosmetic dental surgery forms a significant quantity of overall dental surgery.  Dental cosmetics, unlike elective cosmetic surgery elsewhere on the body, is often needed to restore areas of the mouth that have been significantly damaged by disease or surgery, and often significantly benefit long term oral health.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a very common procedure used when an individual has missing teeth.  The procedure inserts what are "dental implants," artificial teeth with a root structure, and affixes them to the jaw bone using in a way where the appear no different than the surrounding teeth.

Dental Surgeon

A dental surgeon is a dentist who specializes in performing oral surgery; oral surgery being anything that involves the teeth, gums, and jaw.  Dental surgeons are distinguished from regular dentists by having the  DDS degree attached to their name.  They are sometimes better known as oral surgeons.