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What Is Oral Surgery?

What Is Oral Surgery?

What Is Oral Surgery?

What Is Oral Surgery?

What Is Oral Surgery?

Not all dental treatments are straightforward. Sometimes, we need procedures that are more invasive to restore the function and appearance of our smiles. This is known as oral surgery and is performed by an oral surgeon who has the specialized training, skills and experience to complete more complex dental procedures.

Common Oral Surgery Cases

There are various types of oral surgery, and some of these procedures are more often performed than others. Here are some of the most common cases for oral surgery.

Tooth Extractions

Oral surgery is needed for more complex tooth extractions, such as when the tooth needs to be broken into pieces before it is removed. Tooth extractions are normally needed where severe decay or trauma makes the affected tooth irreparable. Removal is the best way to preserve the health of your other remaining teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth removed. This is because they erupt last, and there often isn’t enough space in the gum to accommodate them. This can lead to impaction, infections and severe dental pain. Since they are located at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most popular ways of replacing missing teeth. Their design includes a titanium post placed into the jawbone, and oral surgery is the only way to do this. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth which restores the function and appearance of your teeth.

Oral Diagnosis and Biopsies

Biopsies are surgical procedures that involve the removal of tissue from a specific area of the body. The tissue is then examined under a microscope with the aim of obtaining a diagnosis. There are a range of types of oral biopsy, and these are used to detect a variety of issues including non-cancerous growths and lesions and oral cancers.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects the quality of your sleep. Snoring is one of the main symptoms associated with sleep apnea, and this can put a strain on your relationship and even affect your general health. In severe cases of sleep apnea, oral surgery may be recommended to clear your airway and eliminate your symptoms.

TMD

TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder — commonly known as TMJ — is another common dental problem. These joints are found on either side of the head, connecting the lower jaw to the skull. The joint helps us to talk, eat, yawn and more, but problems with it can lead to pain, stiffness and other debilitating symptoms. Oral surgery can be used to repair the joint in patients with TMD.

Cleft Lip/Palate

A cleft is a gap or split, found either in the lip and/or in the roof of the mouth (palate). A cleft is usually treated by an oral surgeon, and several surgical procedures may be needed to correct the issues. Initially, cleft surgery is performed on an infant, but your oral surgeon may need to carry out additional procedures at a later stage, too.

What to Expect With Oral Surgery

The thought of any sort of surgery can be scary, and oral surgery is no exception. Patients generally feel calmer and more prepared when they know what to expect.

Every Surgery Is Different

The most important thing to be aware of is that every patient, and therefore, every surgery is different. What will happen during your procedure will be explained to you during your consultation. This is the perfect time to ask any questions that you may have.

You May Have to Take Specific Steps to Prepare

Depending on the type of oral surgery you will be having, your oral surgeon may ask you to take specific steps to prepare. This could include giving up smoking, stopping taking certain medications and scheduling some time off of work beforehand. It’s important to follow these instructions as they could help minimize your risk of complications.

You Will Need Someone to Drive You Home

Most dental surgeries are outpatient procedures which means that you will be discharged to go home that day. Since you will have had anesthesia which can have lasting effects, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. It can also help to have someone stay with you for several days while you recover.

Post-Treatment: What to Do After an Oral Surgery

What you do following your dental surgery is just as important as how you prepare. This is because it can help ensure that you have minimal risk of developing complications and will affect the overall outcome of your oral surgical procedure.

  • Give yourself sufficient time to recover. Schedule some days off from work (your oral surgeon will be able to tell you how long), and get someone to help you around the house until you feel back to your usual self.
  • Sleep with your head elevated. This simple trick will help minimize swelling which is one of the most common side effects of oral surgery.
  • Expect some discomfort. This is normal and should be kept under control using pain medications. This typically will ease within a few days.
  • Don’t be afraid to speak to your oral surgery team if you are still in pain in spite of taking medications, experience excessive bleeding or have any concerns. We are here to help.
  • Most importantly, follow the oral surgery recovery guidance provided by your dental surgeon.

Getting Your Oral Surgery at West Coast Dental

If you need dental treatment that requires oral surgery, West Coast Dental can ensure that you receive the care you need. Here are just some of the reasons why patients choose us.

Team of Board-Certified Oral Surgeons

When it comes to surgical procedures, you want to feel reassured that you are in safe and experienced hands. Our surgical team is made up of board-certified oral surgeons. This means that they have achieved the exceptionally high standards of practice required to receive certification. Their enhanced skills and experience will be evident from the quality of their work.

Same-Day Appointments Available

Emergencies can arise at any time. Sometimes, serious and urgent dental problems require the patient to have oral surgery the same day. We have a number of same-day appointments available — meaning that we can be there for you when you need us most.

We Accept Most Insurances

Most types of oral surgery are covered by insurance since they are medical, necessary and not done for cosmetic reasons. We also accept most insurances which can help to take the stress out of treatment. Check your individual policy for more details.

We offer a variety of payment options to make your crown affordable. We also accept most dental insurance plans and have a dental discount program for patients without insurance. Call us at our toll-free number 888-329-8111 or make an appointment online here.

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FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions that we most field asked about oral surgery.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery refers to surgical procedures that are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, face and neck. These surgeries are performed by specialist surgeons who have undergone additional education and training to achieve the skills required.
Virtually all oral surgery procedures are carried out using anesthetic of some description. When possible, you will have your surgery using only local anesthetic. This is where the area being worked on is numb, but you remain awake and aware. In some instances, it may be necessary for patients to have a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation — meaning you would be put to sleep during the procedure.
You’ll be advised to avoid eating for several hours after your surgery, at least until the anesthetic has worn off. This is because if your mouth is numb, you could accidentally bite the inside of your mouth or your tongue and cause damage. Your dental surgeon will be able to advise you when you will be able to resume eating. Although, you may be recommended to stick to a soft diet for an amount of time.
Most patients can recover from their surgery and feel fairly back to normal within 48 hours of their procedure. However, healing can take a number of days or weeks longer. This will depend on the type of surgery you have had.

There are ranges of circumstances in which oral surgery may be necessary. These include:

  •   Impacted teeth
  •   Teeth that are damaged or decayed beyond repair
  •   Jaw pain or jaw misalignment
  •   Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
  •   Being diagnosed with TMD (commonly known as TMJ)
  •   A severe facial infection
  •   Missing teeth or a denture/bridge than no longer fits properly

·   An unusual lump, bump or area of skin inside the mouth

The cost of oral surgery really depends on the reason why it is being performed, and if any further treatment is needed. For example, taking a biopsy is normally less expensive that having a tooth removed. Your oral surgeon will be able to give you a quote based on your individual needs. Many surgeries may be covered by insurance. Check your policy for details.
Not all tooth extractions require surgery, but there are some cases in which surgery is the safest and most effective option. This includes impacted teeth which need to be freed from surrounding and covering structures (skin/gums) and teeth which need to be broken into pieces to remove them.
Wisdom tooth removal can be complex and require the additional skills and experience that can be offered by an oral surgeon. In addition, dentists are unable to provide general anesthetic. So, if you want to be asleep during your procedure, you will need it to be performed by an oral surgeon.
There is no right or wrong time for wisdom teeth removal. An oral surgeon will be able to advise you on if you need this procedure, and if so, when you should have your wisdom teeth removed. Since these teeth don’t erupt until the late teenage years or early adulthood, most patients who opt for removal surgery do so in their 20s.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions that we most field asked about oral surgery.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery refers to surgical procedures that are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, face and neck. These surgeries are performed by specialist surgeons who have undergone additional education and training to achieve the skills required.
Virtually all oral surgery procedures are carried out using anesthetic of some description. When possible, you will have your surgery using only local anesthetic. This is where the area being worked on is numb, but you remain awake and aware. In some instances, it may be necessary for patients to have a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation — meaning you would be put to sleep during the procedure.
You’ll be advised to avoid eating for several hours after your surgery, at least until the anesthetic has worn off. This is because if your mouth is numb, you could accidentally bite the inside of your mouth or your tongue and cause damage. Your dental surgeon will be able to advise you when you will be able to resume eating. Although, you may be recommended to stick to a soft diet for an amount of time.
Most patients can recover from their surgery and feel fairly back to normal within 48 hours of their procedure. However, healing can take a number of days or weeks longer. This will depend on the type of surgery you have had.

There are ranges of circumstances in which oral surgery may be necessary. These include:

  •   Impacted teeth
  •   Teeth that are damaged or decayed beyond repair
  •   Jaw pain or jaw misalignment
  •   Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
  •   Being diagnosed with TMD (commonly known as TMJ)
  •   A severe facial infection
  •   Missing teeth or a denture/bridge than no longer fits properly

·   An unusual lump, bump or area of skin inside the mouth

The cost of oral surgery really depends on the reason why it is being performed, and if any further treatment is needed. For example, taking a biopsy is normally less expensive that having a tooth removed. Your oral surgeon will be able to give you a quote based on your individual needs. Many surgeries may be covered by insurance. Check your policy for details.
Not all tooth extractions require surgery, but there are some cases in which surgery is the safest and most effective option. This includes impacted teeth which need to be freed from surrounding and covering structures (skin/gums) and teeth which need to be broken into pieces to remove them.
Wisdom tooth removal can be complex and require the additional skills and experience that can be offered by an oral surgeon. In addition, dentists are unable to provide general anesthetic. So, if you want to be asleep during your procedure, you will need it to be performed by an oral surgeon.
There is no right or wrong time for wisdom teeth removal. An oral surgeon will be able to advise you on if you need this procedure, and if so, when you should have your wisdom teeth removed. Since these teeth don’t erupt until the late teenage years or early adulthood, most patients who opt for removal surgery do so in their 20s.
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