Dental issues involving the jawbone or tooth irregularities may require more than routine dental care or non-invasive treatment. Oral surgery can help address dental issues that have persisted over time and prevent further complications.
At Gray Family Dental, we help patients in Janesville and the surrounding areas resolve persistent oral health issues through our dental services, including oral surgery.
Leaving oral health issues untreated can turn a minor treatable issue into a severe, chronic health condition and have a significant impact on your overall health. Some problems require more than routine or non-surgical care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Losing adult teeth can happen due to tooth decay, dental trauma, or gum disease. This can cause your jawbone to erode over time. Dental implants can help preserve the jawbone while providing stable support for replacement teeth.
Your teeth can become impacted when they cannot fully emerge through the gums into their proper position. Your dentist may recommend extraction if the impacted tooth causes pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
Oral surgery may be recommended when braces alone are not sufficient to correct malocclusion (a misaligned bite). Your dentist may suggest a plan that includes orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery.
The above list is not exhaustive. We recommend that patients consult their dentist to determine the right treatment course.
Oral surgery can be a complicated process. Taking a few easy steps can help make it less stressful and mentally prepare you for the surgery.
Stock up on nutrient-dense soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes to help you during recovery. Skip using straws and follow the directives from your surgeon for prescription medication in the days following the surgery.
Follow all fasting instructions provided by your surgeon, including when to stop eating and drinking, and avoid alcohol.
Wear comfortable clothing to facilitate placement of IV lines and monitors. Avoid makeup, perfume, lotions, and jewelry. Carry necessary documentation such as your ID card, insurance, and medical paperwork.
Oral surgery is often performed to treat oral health problems, relieve discomfort, and restore oral function. Common types include wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, gum grafting, and surgical treatment for some TMJ disorders.
Your dental care provider will discuss the available anesthesia options, such as local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Depending on the option selected, anesthesia may numb the area, help you relax, or allow you to remain unconscious during the procedure.
It is essential to get rest and limit physical activity during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to prevent infection, minimize strain, and support your recovery. Contact your dental provider if there is severe pain, excessive bleeding, high fever, or numbness that persists longer than advised.
Recovery after oral surgery focuses on managing discomfort, protecting the surgical site, and promoting healing. Recovery instructions can vary significantly depending on the procedure. Here are some general guidelines to follow.
Get ample rest and limit physical activity, particularly during the first few days after surgery, to reduce the risk of bleeding and promote healing.
Minimize discomfort by consuming soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Avoid using straws and follow the instructions from your provider about hard, crunchy, or chewy foods.
You may be advised not to rinse during the first 24 hours. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water, especially after meals. Avoid forceful spitting, and brush around the surgical site until your provider advises otherwise.
You may experience facial swelling after oral surgery. Swelling often peaks within 48 to 72 hours and then gradually subsides over the following several days. Mild bruising may also occur and usually fades within about two weeks.
Most patients can return to their regular diet about a week after oral surgery. You should avoid spicy and acidic foods for several days after surgery to avoid irritation of the surgical site. You may gradually reintroduce these foods when the site has healed considerably. It is highly recommended that patients consume soft foods in the first two days following surgery.
A dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, can develop after tooth extraction when the protective blood clot is lost, dislodged, or does not form properly. Smoking, using straws, and vigorous rinsing or spitting can increase the risk, although a dry socket can sometimes occur without a clear cause. Symptoms may include increasing pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste or odor. If you suspect you have developed a dry socket, contact our office immediately.
Anesthesia is used during oral surgery to prevent pain, although you may still feel pressure or movement during some procedures. However, you may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery as the anesthetic wears off. Our team can give you recommendations or prescribe appropriate medication to help manage this pain.
Yes and no. If you receive sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone you trust to drive you home after the procedure. Anesthetics and sedatives can negatively affect your ability to drive. Follow the recommendations from your dentist for transportation for the type of anesthesia you receive.
Oral surgery can help address complex dental concerns in a timely manner to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. Call Gray Family Dental to schedule an appointment and learn whether oral surgery is right for you.
