Oral surgery can be intimidating, but it’s a routine dental procedure for extracting wisdom teeth and placing dental implants. These procedures aim to improve the function, appearance of your mouth, and overall oral health. You may benefit from a tooth extraction if it is causing you pain because of severe decay or impaction. But what should you expect during these routine dental procedures?
Conditions Oral Surgeons Address
Oral surgery can address many oral health conditions. Those conditions include the following:
- Impacted or broken teeth
- Implant placement
- Bone grafting
- Facial trauma
- Cleft lip and palate
- Relief from severe jaw disorders
No matter the condition you’re suffering from, speaking with an oral surgeon is the first step to addressing these issues.
Expectations During Oral Surgery Procedures
Some oral surgeons may offer sedation, like nitrous oxide or IV sedation, for your procedure. Regardless, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the treatment site on the day of your procedure. After the process, sterile gauze is placed in your mouth to help form blood clots, and you’ll be given aftercare instructions.
Expectations After Oral Surgery
Your aftercare instructions will vary based on the treatment you had. Some procedures may require taking a few days off, while others permit you to return to work the next day. Recovery times will vary, but discomfort can be managed with pain medication. A few examples of recovery time include the following:
- Dental implants heal within a week but require several months for osseointegration
- An extraction site may heal within five to seven days
- Gum or bone grafting may heal within a week or two
Most oral surgeons suggest a soft diet for several days following treatment and avoiding using straws.
Oral Surgery in Beavercreek & West Chester
If you have been referred for oral surgery by your general dentist, contact Empire Dental Specialty Group to schedule a surgery consultation with one of our oral surgeons. We have offices in both Beavercreek and West Chester and have an excellent oral surgery team at both locations to handle all of your oral surgery needs.
