Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery Services
When it comes to dental procedures requiring surgical intervention, it is crucial to seek the expertise of skilled professionals. Whether you are in search of a new dentist or require more intensive treatments under the care of your current dental provider, we invite you to reach out to us. Our experienced Greenbrae dental team can provide a thorough examination, offer insights on the need for surgery, suggest suitable procedures, and guide you through the process with clarity.
Why do people get oral surgery?
Oral surgery serves various purposes, addressing a range of dental concerns. These include:
Health reasons
Oral surgery effectively resolves dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, infections, and associated discomfort. In cases where extensive damage has occurred, tooth extraction may be necessary. Additionally, oral surgery can correct gum-related issues like recession and extract impacted wisdom teeth that cause discomfort and future complications.
Cosmetic reasons
Oral surgery contributes to smile enhancement, enabling procedures such as dental implant surgery for tooth replacement or correcting jaw and facial irregularities that affect appearance.
Orthodontic reasons
Orthodontists may recommend oral surgery as part of a treatment plan, often to prepare the mouth for braces or correct jaw alignment issues that cannot be resolved solely with orthodontic appliances. In some instances, tooth extraction is necessary to create sufficient space for teeth to align properly.
How do I prepare for oral surgery?
To ensure a smooth and comfortable oral surgery experience, consider the following steps:
Follow your dentist’s instructions
Carefully adhere to the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. These guidelines optimize the outcome of the procedure.
Arrange Transportation
As most oral surgeries involve anesthesia, which can induce drowsiness or disorientation, arrange for someone to drive you home following the procedure.
Fasting Before Surgery
You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a designated period before your surgery to reduce the risk of complications related to anesthesia.
Stock up on soft foods
Anticipate temporary discomfort and swelling after surgery, making it challenging to chew. Prepare soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies that are easy to consume and won’t irritate the surgical site.
Prepare ice packs and medications
Post-surgery swelling and discomfort are common. Have ice packs ready to apply to the affected area and ensure you have over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen on hand.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Choose loose-fitting, comfortable attire on the day of your surgery to ensure freedom of movement and minimize interference with the surgical site.
Keep your mouth clean
Your dentist may advise against brushing or flossing near the surgical site for a few days following the procedure. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep your mouth clean to prevent infection. Your dentist may provide a special mouth rinse for use during the recovery period.
Remember, each patient and procedure is unique, so carefully follow your dentist’s specific instructions and don’t hesitate to 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?
Oral Surgery and Continued Dental Care
We provide oral surgery services regardless of whether you are currently under the care of another dentist or seeking independent treatment. If your regular dentist has referred you to us for a surgical procedure, we will work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive dental care.
Alternatively, if you are seeking oral surgery independently but plan to continue receiving routine dental care from your regular dentist, we can still provide the necessary treatment. In such cases, we will communicate with your dentist to ensure they are aware of the procedure and can provide any required follow-up care.
At Redwood Dental, we prioritize collaboration and patient-centered care. Our goal is to work with you and any other dental professionals involved in your treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.
What is the recovery time for oral surgery?
The recovery time for oral surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed. Following surgery, temporary bleeding and swelling are common, and these can be managed with the use of gauze and ice packs. The duration and intensity of swelling may vary, with most patients experiencing the greatest swelling within the first 2-3 days post-surgery.
To prevent infection, our dentist may prescribe antibiotics, and it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency. Pain and discomfort can be managed through prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, as recommended by our dentist.
During the initial days of recovery, sticking to a soft-food diet that minimizes chewing is advisable. Additionally, avoiding the use of straws and refraining from smoking helps prevent dislodging of the blood clot, promoting proper healing. Detailed instructions on post-operative care and what to expect during the recovery period will be provided by our dentist.
Overall, recovery time for oral surgery can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the specific procedure and your adherence to post-operative care instructions.
Rest assured that our experienced dental team is committed to your well-being throughout the oral surgery process. We will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and a successful recovery. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding oral surgery or your dental care.
Our staff will follow up with you to confirm the appointment details.
“Greenbrae Dental Center is great! My family and I all had to have some dental work and they really took care of us! Everyone is friendly and helpful. Dr. Kim took care of me and was super gentle with my sensitive teeth. The front office staff were willing and able to quickly get accurate insurance information. I highly recommend Greenbrae Dental Center!”– Patrick, Greenbrae, CA
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.
