Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery Services
When it comes to dentistry, only certain dentists perform surgical procedures. Whether you are looking for a new dentist or are currently under the care of one and need more intensive procedures, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our Fairfield dental team can examine you, give you an opinion regarding whether or not you need surgery, what procedure will benefit you, and what you can expect from the process.
Why do people get oral surgery?
Health reasons
Tooth decay and gum disease are common dental problems that can lead to infections, pain, and discomfort. In some cases, the decay or damage is so extensive that a tooth cannot be saved and needs to be extracted. Oral surgery can also be used to correct gum problems, such as gum recession or to remove impacted wisdom teeth that can cause discomfort and future dental problems.
Cosmetic reasons
Oral surgery can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth or to correct jaw and facial abnormalities that affect a person’s appearance.
Orthodontic reasons
Oral surgery may be recommended by an orthodontist to prepare the mouth for braces or to correct jaw alignment issues that cannot be corrected with braces alone. In some cases, teeth may need to be extracted to make room for other teeth to properly align.
How do I prepare for oral surgery?
If you are preparing for oral surgery, here are some steps you can take to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible:
Follow your dentist’s instructions
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before and after the procedure. Be sure to carefully read and follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Arrange for someone to drive you home
Most oral surgeries require the use of anesthesia, which can leave you feeling drowsy or disoriented. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the procedure.
Avoid eating or drinking for several hours
You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before your procedure. This is to help prevent complications from anesthesia.
Stock up on soft foods
After your surgery, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling, making it difficult to chew. Stock up on soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies that are easy to eat and won’t irritate your surgical site.
Prepare ice packs and medications
Swelling and discomfort are common after oral surgery. Prepare ice packs to apply to the affected area and stock up on over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t restrict your movement or interfere with the surgical site.
Keep your mouth clean
Your dentist may instruct you to avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical site for a few days after the procedure. However, it’s important to keep your mouth clean to help prevent infection. Your dentist may provide you with a special mouth rinse to use after the surgery.
Remember, each patient and procedure is unique, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s specific instructions and ask any questions you may have before your surgery.
Is oral surgery used for orthodontics?
Yes, oral surgery is sometimes used as part of orthodontic treatment. When an orthodontist straightens teeth, they may need to address issues such as overcrowding, which can involve creating additional space in the mouth. One way to create space is by extracting teeth, although this is not always necessary.
In some cases, an orthodontist may also recommend oral surgery to change the position of the jaw, especially in cases of severe overbites or underbites that cannot be corrected through non-invasive methods. The surgery can help realign the jaw to improve overall dental function and aesthetics.
Ultimately, the need for oral surgery as part of orthodontic treatment depends on the individual patient’s dental issues and the recommended treatment plan. It’s best to discuss any concerns or questions with your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Can you provide me with oral surgery if I am being treated by another dentist?
Yes, we can provide oral surgery services even if you are being treated by another dentist. If your dentist has referred you to us for a surgical procedure, we can work together with them to ensure that you receive comprehensive dental care.
Alternatively, if you are seeking oral surgery independently and plan to continue receiving routine dental care from your regular dentist, we can also provide you with the necessary treatment. In either case, we will communicate with your regular dentist to ensure that they are aware of the procedure and can provide any necessary follow-up care.
At Plaza Dental Group, we prioritize collaboration and patient-centered care, so we will work with you and any other dental professionals involved in your care to provide the best possible treatment outcomes.
What is the recovery time for oral surgery?
The recovery time for oral surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed. Generally, you can expect to experience some temporary bleeding and swelling after the surgery, which can be controlled with gauze and ice packs. The duration and intensity of swelling can vary, but most patients experience the most swelling in the first 2-3 days after surgery.
Our dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and it’s important to follow the dosage and frequency recommended by our dentist. To manage any pain or discomfort, our dentist may also prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
After oral surgery, it’s best to stick with soft foods that require minimal chewing for the first few days of recovery. You should also avoid drinking through a straw or smoking, as this can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Our dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth and what to expect during the recovery period.
Overall, the recovery time for oral surgery can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the procedure and how well you follow our dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Our staff will follow up with you to confirm the appointment details.
“Went in today for our new patient exams/cleaning and it was a wonderful experience. They were able to schedule was quickly and they take Concordia insurance (active duty families 😉). Staff was very friendly. Office is clean. Visit started promptly. Cleaning was thorough. Doctor is friendly and clear with diagnosis/instructions.”
– Kimberly, Fairfield
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Closed for lunch: Noon to 1pm
DENTAL SERVICES
Oral Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Oral surgery refers to a specialized branch of dentistry that involves diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, and face. It includes procedures such as tooth extractions, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, and treatment of oral diseases.
Oral surgery may be necessary for various reasons, including:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt properly, they can become impacted and cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
- Tooth extraction: When a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected, it may need to be extracted.
- Dental implant placement: Oral surgery is often performed to place dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth.
- Corrective jaw surgery: If you have jaw misalignment or problems with your bite that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone, oral surgery may be required.
- Treatment of oral diseases: Oral surgery can be used to diagnose and treat conditions such as cysts, tumors, and infections in the mouth or jaw.
During an oral surgery consultation, your oral surgeon will evaluate your dental and medical history, conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw, and may order additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans. They will discuss your treatment options, explain the procedure in detail, and address any concerns or questions you may have. They will also provide instructions for pre- and post-operative care.
Your oral surgeon will ensure your comfort during the procedure by using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your preferences. You may experience some discomfort or swelling after the surgery, but your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medications and provide instructions on managing any discomfort. Following the post-operative care instructions diligently will help minimize pain and promote healing.
While oral surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. Potential risks and complications may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, dry socket (after tooth extraction), swelling, and prolonged healing. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the surgery and take necessary precautions to minimize them.
The recovery period can vary depending on the type of oral surgery performed and the individual’s healing ability. In general, it may take a few days to a few weeks to fully recover. Your oral surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including guidelines for diet, oral hygiene, pain management, and follow-up appointments. It’s important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing.
Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific dietary instructions based on the type of surgery performed. In the initial days following oral surgery, you may need to stick to a soft or liquid diet to avoid irritating the surgical site. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that can potentially damage the surgical area. As you heal, your oral surgeon will guide you on gradually reintroducing regular foods into your diet.
The amount of time you may need to take off work or school will depend on the complexity of the oral surgery and your individual recovery. Some procedures may require a day or two of rest, while others may require more extended downtime. It’s advisable to plan ahead and discuss any necessary time off with your oral surgeon.
The cost of oral surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure, complexity, geographical location, and your dental insurance coverage.
