Impianti dentali: Chirurgia Orale

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on surgical treatments of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Osseointegration is the process where the implant integrates directly with the jawbone, providing a stable and long-lasting foundation.
Single tooth implants involve placing one implant to replace a single missing tooth.
Implant-supported bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing, using implants to support a bridge.
Full arch implants involve using multiple implants to support a complete set of replacement teeth, such as in All-on-4 or implant-supported dentures.
Bone grafting may be necessary if there is insufficient bone volume in the jaw to support the implant.
The implant procedure typically involves several stages: initial consultation, implant placement, healing period, abutment placement, and final restoration.
Maintenance of dental implants includes regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices to prevent peri-implantitis.

Oral pathology deals with the diagnosis and study of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
Biopsies are often performed to collect tissue samples for microscopic examination to diagnose lesions, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Common oral lesions include:
- Leukoplakia: white patches on the oral mucosa.
- Erythroplakia: red patches on the oral mucosa, which have a higher risk of being cancerous than leukoplakia.
- Oral lichen planus: a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oral mucosa.
- Oral cancer: can occur on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and soft palate.
Diagnostic techniques in oral pathology include clinical examination, radiography, and microscopic analysis.
Treatment of oral pathologies varies depending on the specific condition and may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct deformities of the jaw and facial bones, improving both function and aesthetics.
Common conditions treated with jaw surgery include:
- Overbite or underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Facial asymmetry
Surgical procedures may involve moving the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both.
Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment is typically required to align the teeth before jaw surgery.
Computer-aided surgical planning (CASP) and 3D modeling are often used to plan and simulate the surgical procedure.
The recovery period after jaw surgery involves a period of healing, during which the patient may need to follow a special diet and avoid strenuous activities.

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.
Indications for tooth extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Impacted teeth
- Orthodontic treatment (to create space)
Simple extraction involves removing a tooth that is fully erupted and easily accessible.
Surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted, broken below the gum line, or has curved roots.
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are often extracted due to impaction, crowding, or recurrent infections.
Potential complications of tooth extraction include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)
- Nerve damage
Post-extraction care includes:
- Applying pressure to the extraction site
- Avoiding strenuous activities
- Following a soft diet
- Maintaining good oral hygiene

Anesthesia is used to manage pain and anxiety during oral surgical procedures.
Local anesthesia numbs a specific area of the mouth, blocking pain signals from the nerves in that region.
Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of the mouth by blocking the nerves that supply sensation to that area.
Sedation techniques include:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Provides mild relaxation and reduces anxiety.
- Oral sedation: Involves taking a sedative medication by mouth before the procedure.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation: Delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream for deeper relaxation.
General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and is typically used for extensive or complex surgical procedures.
Monitoring vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) is essential during anesthesia to ensure patient safety.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore function and aesthetics.
Fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay, using materials such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer.
Crowns (caps) cover the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth:
- Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch.
- Partial dentures replace some teeth in an arch.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit within or on top of a damaged tooth, typically made of porcelain or gold.
Root canal therapy (endodontics) involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and filling it with a biocompatible material.

Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth (periodontium).
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of periodontal disease that involves bone loss and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.
Risk factors for periodontal disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from below the gum line.
Periodontal surgery may be necessary to treat advanced periodontitis, including:
- Flap surgery (to access and clean the tooth roots)
- Bone grafting (to regenerate lost bone)
- Guided tissue regeneration (to stimulate the growth of new periodontal tissues)
Maintenance therapy (periodontal maintenance) is essential to prevent recurrence of periodontal disease, involving regular check-ups and cleanings.