Oral Surgery

While routine dental care helps maintain a healthy smile, there are times when more advanced oral surgery becomes necessary to treat complex issues affecting the mouth, jaw, or facial structures - from tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal to gum surgery and jaw reconstruction.

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What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that treats complex oral health issues that require surgical intervention. At Gentle Dental, our experienced family dentists work closely with oral surgeons to provide patients with the necessary surgical care right in their own neighborhood.

Patients may need to consult an oral surgeon for various reasons, such as tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth removal), gum grafts, periodontal flap surgery, bone grafts, or other complex dental procedures. During the consultation, the oral surgeon will thoroughly examine the patient's condition, explain the treatment options, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have. This specialized care can help restore proper function, alleviate pain or discomfort, and improve overall oral health and well-being. Gentle Dental ensures that patients receive high-quality care and are kept as comfortable as possible throughout the surgical procedure.

Our Approach

At Gentle Dental, we understand that oral surgery can be an intimidating prospect for many patients. That's why our experienced oral surgeons and compassionate staff go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and reassuring experience from start to finish. During the consultation, your oral surgeon will thoroughly explain the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and discuss anesthesia and sedation options to help keep you comfortable and relaxed.

What To Expect

On the day of surgery, you'll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Our skilled surgeons use the latest techniques and technology to perform your procedure with precision and carefully monitor you throughout the surgery. With evening and weekend appointments available, flexible payment plans, and a commitment to providing gentle, affordable care, Gentle Dental ensures your oral surgery experience is as convenient as possible.

After The Procedure

The recovery period after oral surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, which may include prescribed medications, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and maintaining proper hygiene around the surgical site. Most patients can return to their normal routines within a week or two, though complete healing may take several weeks or months for more extensive procedures like jaw surgery or bone grafting.

Am I A Candidate For Oral Surgery?

Anyone with a complex oral health issue that cannot be treated through non-surgical means is an ideal candidate for oral surgery performed by a skilled oral surgeon. If any of the following apply to you, you may benefit from oral surgery:

Patients with impacted wisdom teeth that need to be removed
Those requiring extraction of problematic teeth that cannot be restored
Individuals with advanced gum disease needing periodontal surgery
People with significant jaw alignment issues or facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
Patients undergoing dental implant placement that requires bone grafting
Those with oral pathologies like cysts or tumors that require surgical removal
Individuals born with craniofacial defects or cleft lip/palate needing corrective surgery
Patients who have sustained facial trauma from accidents or physical altercations

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Schedule a consultation at Gentle Dental to explore options for enhancing your smile and improving your oral health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of procedures are considered oral surgery?

Some common oral surgery procedures include tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, gum surgery, jaw surgery, cleft lip/palate repair, and removal of oral pathologies like cysts or tumors.

How can I prepare for oral surgery?

Your oral surgeon will provide pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications, not eating or drinking past midnight, and arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery.

What types of anesthesia are used for oral surgery?

Depending on the procedure, oral surgeons may use local anesthesia, general anesthesia, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide to ensure you don't feel any pain and remain comfortable.

How long is the recovery period after oral surgery?

Recovery times vary but most people can return to work or school within a few days for simpler procedures like tooth extractions. More complex surgeries may require 1-2 weeks of rest initially.

What can I eat after oral surgery?

You'll need to stick to a soft, liquid, or pureed diet for the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you when you can start incorporating solid foods again.

Is oral surgery painful?

You shouldn't feel any pain during the actual surgery, thanks to anesthesia. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Are there any potential complications from oral surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks like bleeding, infection, swelling, numbness, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks and side effects.

How soon can I return to normal activities?

Most people can go back to work or school within 1-2 weeks after simpler procedures. You'll need to avoid strenuous exercise for up to 2 weeks or more after complex surgeries.

Will oral surgery leave any visible scarring?

In most cases, any incisions are made inside the mouth so there is no visible exterior scarring. Some jaw surgeries may result in small scars on the skin.

Is oral surgery covered by insurance?

Many oral surgery procedures are covered at least partially by dental insurance plans. Our staff can verify your benefits and discuss payment options.