— many people have their wisdom teeth removed before they become problematic. Fiberotomy — a procedure to sever the fibers around a tooth, preventing it from relapsing Periodontics Oral and maxillofacial surgery (a surgical specialty that usually requires both dental and medical qualification) Professional dental care More frequent than usual cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many different dental/oral disorders or due to recent surgical procedures such as dental implants. The American Dental Association (ADA) stresses that the frequency of dental visits necessary is dependent upon the needs of each individual with some able to go once or twice a year and others needing to go more often. This may include yearly, select dental X-rays. See also dental plaque identification procedure and removal. Dental instruments and restorative materials Dental anesthesia Dentists inject anesthetic to block sensory transmission by the alveolar nerves. The superior alveolar nerves are not usually anesthetized directly because they are difficult to approach with a needle. For this reason, the maxillary teeth are usually anesthetized locally by inserting the needle beneath the oral mucosa surrounding the teeth. The inferior alveolar nerve is probably anesthetized more often than any other nerve in the body. To anesthetize this nerve, the dentist inserts the needle somewhat beyond the patient's last molar. See also Dentistry Oral and maxillofacial surgery Surgery Dental extraction Wisdom tooth References Dentistry procedures Surgical specialties Dentistry