All You Have to Know About Oral Surgery

The main functional dental concerns that oral surgeons treat are:

 

• Tooth extractions providing in-office anesthesia services: The most common oral surgery is the removal of the Wisdom teeth. They are the last set of teeth to develop and most of the times these molars do not emerge in proper alignment, which results in swelling, pain and infection of the gums. Depending on the patient’s case the surgeon will recommend if it is necessary to have the wisdom teeth removed. Although this is a minor surgery compared to reconstructions or dental implants, there is some discomfort and pain during the first days following the surgery.

 

• Treating facial defects or injuries: Oral surgeons can repair facial injuries such as a fractured jaw, as well as other injuries involving cheeks, nasal bones, eye sockets, and the forehead. Some defects that need to be surgically addressed are unequal jaw growth, which happens when the upper or lower jaw does not grow properly and causes difficulties in speaking, chewing and breathing.

 

• Placing dental implants: Oral surgeons reconstruct bone areas where tooth implants can be placed. Implants are a good option for people who have lost a tooth; they have a natural look and are very stable since they are secured to the jaw with screws.

Oral surgeons are also well prepared to:

 

• Manage diseases of the teeth
• Evaluate and plan a treatment process
• Treat injuries to the face
• Diagnose and treat oral cancer
• Diagnose and surgically treat sleep apnea
• Treat TMJ (TemporoMandibular Joint disorder)

After surgery, patients can minimize pain and swelling as well as the chance of complications by following the post-operative care instructions carefully. To minimize bleeding patients should remain calm, avoid activity and sit upright. Swelling is expected around the mouth, cheeks and eyes.It can be minimized by using ice packs. For pain, over-the-counter medication may be taken, however, if the pain persists and it is severe, dental patients should contact the surgeon who will be able to prescribe something else. A balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids following the surgery is very important to gain more strength and feel better. The mouth should be kept very clean by brushing the teeth and rinsing after each meal. This will minimize the risk of infections and possible complications.