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Oral surgery encompasses a variety of procedures that involve surgical treatment of the mouth and jaw.

Here are five common types of oral surgery:

1. Tooth Extractions:
   • Simple Extractions: These involve the removal of visible and easily accessible teeth. Simple extractions are often performed for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or need to be removed for orthodontic reasons.
   • Surgical Extractions: These are more complex and involve the removal of teeth that may not be easily accessible or have not fully erupted. Surgical extractions may also be necessary for impacted wisdom teeth.
2. Wisdom Teeth Removal (Third Molar Surgery):
   • Wisdom teeth, known as third molars, often require surgical removal. This is because they may become impacted (unable to fully emerge from the gums) or cause issues such as crowding, pain, or infection.
3. Dental Implant Surgery:
   • Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. The surgical procedure involves placing a titanium implant into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. This is typically done in multiple stages, with a healing period between each stage.
4. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery):
   • Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct a variety of jaw and facial abnormalities, including misaligned jaws and facial asymmetry. The surgery aims to improve the patient's ability to chew, speak, and breathe, as well as enhance facial aesthetics.
5. Treatment of Jaw Cysts and Tumors:
   • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may also perform surgery to treat cysts or tumors that can develop in the jaw or oral cavity. This can involve removing abnormal growths and reconstructing the affected area.

WHAT MAKES ORAL SURGERY NECESSARY?

Oral surgery becomes necessary for various reasons, and it is typically recommended by dental or oral surgeons based on specific dental or maxillofacial conditions. Here are some common reasons why oral surgery may be necessary:

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
   • Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often do not have enough space to fully emerge, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth, necessitating their removal through oral surgery.
2. Severe Tooth Decay or Damage:
   • Teeth that are extensively decayed, damaged, or fractured may require extraction through oral surgery. This can be necessary to prevent the spread of infection or alleviate pain.
3. Orthodontic Reasons:
   • Oral surgery may be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to address issues like severe malocclusion, jaw misalignment, or skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with braces alone.
4. Dental Implants:
   • Dental implants involve the surgical placement of artificial tooth roots to replace missing teeth. This procedure is necessary when traditional tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, are not suitable or desired.
5. Jaw and Facial Abnormalities:
   • Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct significant jaw and facial abnormalities that affect a person's bite, speech, or facial aesthetics. This can include repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
6. Jaw Cysts and Tumors:
   • Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove cysts or tumors that develop in the jaw or oral cavity. This is done to eliminate abnormal growths and prevent further complications.
7. Facial Trauma Reconstruction:
   • Oral surgeons may perform reconstructive surgery following facial trauma, such as fractures to the jaw, cheekbones, or other facial bones, to restore normal function and appearance.
8. Biopsy and Treatment of Oral Pathology:
   • Oral surgeons may perform biopsies to diagnose and treat oral pathologies, including suspicious growths, lesions, or abnormalities in the oral tissues.

DOES DENTAL INSURANCE COVER ORAL SURGERY IN CANADA

Dental insurance coverage for oral surgery in Canada can vary based on the specific details of your insurance plan. Dental insurance plans in Canada often provide coverage for certain oral surgery procedures, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of procedure, the reason for the surgery, and the terms of your individual insurance policy.

Here are some general points to consider:

1. Basic Coverage:
   • Dental insurance plans typically cover basic dental services such as routine check-ups, cleanings, and basic fillings. However, coverage for oral surgery may fall under a different category.
2. Major Dental Work:
   • Oral surgery procedures, especially those considered major dental work (such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implant surgery), may have separate coverage limits or may be subject to different reimbursement percentages.
3. Pre-authorization:
   • Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization or approval before you undergo certain oral surgery procedures. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider in advance to determine the requirements.
4. Exclusions and Waiting Periods:
   • Dental insurance plans often have exclusions or waiting periods for certain procedures. It's important to review the terms of your policy to understand any waiting periods or limitations on coverage.
5. Maximum Benefit Limits:
   • Dental insurance plans often have annual maximum benefit limits. If your oral surgery costs exceed these limits, you may be responsible for covering the remaining expenses.
6. Coordination of Benefits:
   • If you have other health insurance coverage, such as medical insurance, there may be coordination of benefits rules that determine which insurance plan is the primary payer for certain procedures.

To get accurate and specific information about your dental insurance coverage for oral surgery, it's recommended to:

• Review Your Policy: Examine the details of your dental insurance policy, paying attention to coverage terms, exclusions, and any applicable waiting periods.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your dental insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage for the specific oral surgery procedure you are considering. They can provide information on the extent of coverage, any pre-authorization requirements, and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Keep in mind that dental insurance plans can vary, so it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your coverage to make informed decisions about your oral health care.

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