Oral Surgery


	Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery:

Some of the procedures of Oral Surgery include Extractions (including wisdom teeth), Oral Pathology, TMJ (joint problems) and Dental Implants.

Our goal is to save and restore teeth through routine procedures such as preventative care, periodontal treatments (gum treatments) and endodontic treatments (root canals). However, sometimes extractions become necessary.

Extractions are routinely performed by general dentists however more complex cases may be referred to an Oral Surgeon, who specializes in extractions and surgery of the mouth.

The reasons for extractions range from:

Advanced Decay of the Tooth

Cracked Teeth or Roots

Infections due to Severe Gum Disease

Impacted Third Molars

Extraction in Preparation for Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

Anesthesia can be in the form of a local anesthetic which numbs the area being worked on effectively blocking all pain. Another form of sedation is conscious sedation where a depressed level of consciousness is achieved allowing the patient to maintain an open airway and respond to verbal commands. The patient does not lose consciousness but remains in a calm state.

To read more about the control of pain CLICK HERE.

Oral Surgeons also address Pathology or diseases of the mouth, the most serious of these is cancer. The patient may not always feel pain but any changes in color or texture, suspicious lumps or sores that do not heal should be checked.

CLICK HERE for a fact sheet on Oral Cancer.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMJ) is pain in the joint of your jaw and can be caused by many factors, such as grinding of the teeth at night, dislocation of the disc between the socket and the jawbone - which can cause a popping sound and limit jaw movement causing pain, or conditions such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients will be evaluated to pinpoint the cause or causes of the pain and to determine the course of treatment to minimize your discomfort.

Implants are another method of replacing missing teeth. Depending on your individual case this can be a simple or complicated process and your dentists will discuss with you whether or not you are a good candidate for implants.

Some common reasons for implants are:

To help hold a lower denture in place which frequently moves around when chewing.

To create an anchor for a bridge especially in the back of the mouth when all back
teeth are missing.

Replacement of a missing front tooth which enhances your facial appearance.

A Dental Implant is a metal post inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. A crown or bridge is then fabricated to fit over this protruding implant much as you would with your own tooth.

Dental Implants require a team effort between both your Oral Surgeon, who will perform the implant surgery and your General Dentist, who will fabricate the crown, bridge or denture that will fit over your implant.

Click Here for more information on Dental Implants.

Surgical Instructions

Items to have at home prior to surgery:

Have a method for applying ice to your face for the first 24 hours. (Ziplock Bags)

Prepare a soft meal for consumption sometime within 3 hours after surgery.

Iced Tea contains Tannic Acid which stops any remaining bleeding & is an excellent
first beverage after surgery.

Good beverages also include: Milk Products, Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch, Hi-C, Grape,
Apple or Prune juices, Kool-Aid and in special instances Instant Breakfast or Meritene.

Oral Surgery Instructions Before Surgery:

Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery (If you elected for IV sedation).

Do not drink caffeinated beverages.

Avoid smoking.

Do not wear heavy makeup.

Read the label and take any medications that have been prescribed for you.

Wear loose, comfortable attire & comfortable shoes.

If you have elected for sedation, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.
(Be sure this person can stay with you throughout your entire stay in our office)

Oral Surgery Instructions After Surgery:

Take any prescribed medications and rest.

Bite firmly down on the gauze provided.
(This may be changed after an hour with a clean piece of gauze.)

For the first 48 hours:

Do not smoke.

Do not spit.

Do not drink through a straw.

Do not rinse your mouth vigorously.

After 24 hours:

Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Continue to take any medications as prescribed.

A small amount of blood mixed with your saliva is normal but if bleeding persists
gently biting on a moist tea bag. (If bleeding persists - call our office)

You may notice some swelling for the first few days.

If you develop a fever it may be a sign of infection. Please call our office.

We hope to make you as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or problems don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you!!