Oral Surgery: FAQs

Oral surgery is used to treat many dental problems and medical conditions related to the teeth, mouth, jaws, and face. Many oral surgery procedures are common and address dental issues many people experience. If you require oral surgery, it is crucial to be prepared and to manage your recovery properly. Keep reading to learn more about oral surgery.

Oral surgery procedures

Oral surgery refers to a wide range of treatments. These include extractions and implants. Patients typically require oral surgery due to disease, accidental injury, trauma, or tooth loss. Other common reasons include dental caries, deformities, or periodontal issues.

Dental implants

One common surgery performed by general dentists is the placement of dental implants. Implants are tooth root substitutes that are inserted into the jawbone. They create a stable base to support artificial teeth or crowns. Implants are an ideal choice for replacing lost teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth. Plus, the surgery usually has a high success rate.

Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction refers to the removal of a single tooth or multiple teeth from the mouth. The procedure is performed by a general dentist. A dentist may recommend removing a tooth due to disease, trauma, or overcrowding. Removing teeth that are visible above the gums is a simple extraction. But teeth that are either below the surface, impacted, or broken require a more involved procedure.

After tooth extraction, it is common for people to experience pain and swelling. But some home remedies may help to ease the pain and reduce swelling. These include pain medications, saltwater rinses, and ice packs. It often takes several days to recover after a tooth extraction, depending on factors such as an individual’s age and whether they smoke. But seeing the dentist is recommended if the pain gets worse with time or bleeding does not improve. Other problematic signs include a high fever, nausea or vomiting, or drainage from the wound that smells or tastes foul.

Recovery

After any dental procedure, it is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions. Recovery times will depend mainly on the extent of the dental procedure taking place. Most times, patients are advised to eat soft foods and cold liquids for a few days or longer. This may include yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, and applesauce. Other good options include scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, gelatin, pudding, and custard. The dentist will most likely recommend medication that will help ease post-operative pain.

Caring for your mouth

If you need oral surgery, it is vital to find a qualified dentist to perform the procedure. By following your dentist’s instructions, you can position yourself for a smooth recovery from surgery. But even though you cannot always avoid dental problems that require oral surgery, there are things you can do to reduce their likelihood. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help to prevent tooth infections and gum disease. It would help if you also visited a dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings and exams.

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