Nobody likes going to the dentist, but when it comes to oral surgery, sometimes it can be unavoidable. Whether you need a root canal or wisdom teeth extraction, having oral surgery is often necessary for maintaining good dental health and keeping your teeth in good shape. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what options are available and how they can help you achieve and maintain excellent dental health.
This blog will explore the various types of oral surgeries available today, as well as their benefits, recovery tips, and other considerations involved in making these decisions. So if you’re looking for more information about dental care and dental procedures related to oral surgery, look no further! Let’s get started!
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery, also referred to as maxillofacial surgery, is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. It involves a variety of surgical procedures such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or repairing facial injuries from trauma. An oral surgeon performs these treatments in an outpatient setting at either a hospital or clinic.
Why Do You Need Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery can be necessary for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth
This occurs when the third molars (wisdom teeth) are unable to break through the gum line due to lack of space or angle. Removal of these teeth may be necessary to prevent pain, infection, and other complications.
Repairs for Facial Injuries
Oral surgeons often provide reconstructive surgery due to trauma to the face. These may include repairing fractures or lacerations in the jawbone, cheekbones, nose, and more.
Correcting Malocclusion
This involves correcting the misalignment of the jaws and teeth. It can help improve your bite and make speaking, eating, and drinking easier.
Removing Cysts or Tumors
Oral surgeons can remove abnormal growths such as cysts or tumors that could cause infection or interfere with normal oral function.
Oral surgery is an important specialty within dentistry that can help diagnose many problems that affect the mouth and face. If you are experiencing any issues with your teeth, jaws, or face, it is important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common Oral Surgeries and Their Benefits
From dental implants to wisdom teeth extractions, oral surgeries are often needed to maintain our dental health. While these can seem intimidating, they are actually very common procedures with a wide range of benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most common oral surgeries and how they can be beneficial for your overall dental health.
Dental Implants
One of the most popular yet expensive oral surgeries is the placement of dental implants. This procedure involves replacing missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones that look and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants offer improved facial aesthetics, increased confidence in speaking and smiling, improved chewing ability, more comfort when eating, and better protection for the surrounding teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Many people deal with wisdom tooth pain at some point in their lives, which can lead to uncomfortable swelling and infection. When this happens, it’s best to have them extracted by an oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth extractions can help prevent damage to other teeth, reduce crowding of the other teeth in your mouth, and alleviate pain and discomfort. Additionally, removing wisdom teeth may lower your risk of developing cysts or tumors in the future.
Root Canals
Root canals are an essential procedure for treating infected or damaged teeth. During a root canal procedure, the nerve tissue and bacteria that cause infection are removed from inside the affected tooth. This helps reduce pain and restore the function of the tooth. A root canal can also help prevent gum disease, infection, and further damage to your teeth.
Oral surgeries may seem daunting at first, but these procedures offer a wide range of benefits that make them worth considering if you’re looking for ways to maintain good dental health. From reducing pain and restoring oral functionality to protecting other teeth from damage, these common oral surgeries are sure to leave you with a healthier and happier smile.
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery
When it comes to oral surgery, there are several steps you should take in order to prepare for the procedure. Before going in for your appointment, make sure that you have:
- Asked all of your questions about the procedure and understand what is expected of you
- Gotten any necessary blood work done
- Conducted research on post-surgery care and pain management techniques
- Picked up any medications prescribed by your doctor prior to surgery
- Scheduled a ride home from the hospital if needed
- Prepared soft foods to eat after surgery (jello, mashed potatoes, applesauce)
- Made sure someone will be available to help you for 24 hours following your procedure
Surgery Day
On the day of your surgery, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
- Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before your appointment (unless directed to do so by your doctor)
- Bring a list of any medications currently being taken
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home
- Have all health insurance information ready
It is also important to be honest with your doctor about any health conditions or lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs. This will help ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and without complication.
Post-Surgery Care
Following your oral surgery, it is important to take special care of yourself in order to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some tips:
- Follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions carefully
- Eat soft foods and avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate the mouth
- Avoid drinking through straws as this can cause increased bleeding
- Refrain from smoking or using recreational drugs while healing
- Try to keep your head elevated at night by propping up multiple pillows to reduce swelling
Take any medications prescribed by your doctor, and be sure to attend all follow-up appointments. With proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, you should have a smooth recovery process following your oral surgery.
The Cost of Oral Surgery – Is It Worth It?
When considering oral surgery, one of the top questions most people have is – what’s the cost? Depending on the procedure and complexity, prices can vary greatly. While some procedures may seem expensive at first glance, they may also provide long-term benefits that are worth considering. So when it comes to oral surgery, is it worth it? The answer will depend on your individual set of circumstances.
The decision to undergo oral surgery is ultimately a personal one. If you’re looking for advice or want to discuss the pros and cons of any particular procedure, we recommend speaking with your dentist.
At Glen Park Dental, we offer a variety of services related to oral surgery and are here to help answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at (604) 474-0403 or email us at info@glenparkdental.ca and ask about our special offers on oral surgeries today!