FAQS
Patient Information FAQ’s
There are several reasons why someone might require oral surgery, including impacted wisdom teeth, tooth extraction due to severe decay or damage, dental implants, treatment of oral infections, and oral cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Oral surgery is typically performed under local or general anesthesia to ensure that patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After the surgery, some discomfort and swelling are common, but pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care.
The duration of oral surgery depends on the specific procedure being performed. Simple extractions may take just a few minutes, while more complex surgeries such as wisdom tooth extraction or dental implants can take an hour or more.
Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery carries some risks. These may include infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, prolonged numbness, dry socket (after tooth extraction), and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified oral surgeon.
We accept most dental insurances, but are currently only in network with the following companies: Delta Dental, BCBS, Cigna, Ameritas.
Recovery time varies depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. In general, most patients can expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Full recovery may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, during which time patients may need to follow specific post-operative instructions provided by their oral surgeon.
We accept most dental insurances, but are currently only in network with the following companies: Delta Dental, BCBS, Cigna, Ameritas.
The timeline for resuming normal activities varies depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates. Most patients can return to work or school within a few days, but strenuous activities, exercise, and certain dietary restrictions may need to be followed for a longer period, as advised by the oral surgeon. Surgical Instructions Learn More.
To minimize the risk of complications after oral surgery, it’s essential to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon carefully. If any concerns arise during the recovery process, it’s essential to contact your oral surgeon promptly for guidance. Contact us today!
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. They typically appear in the late teens or early twenties.
Many people do not have enough space in their mouths to accommodate wisdom teeth properly. As a result, they may become impacted (trapped beneath the gum line), misaligned, or cause crowding, pain, infections, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Wisdom teeth are often removed during the late teens or early twenties, before they fully develop or cause problems. However, the timing of removal may vary depending on individual factors such as the position and development of the teeth, symptoms, and recommendations from a dentist or oral surgeon.
Wisdom tooth removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue, removes any bone covering the tooth, and extracts the tooth. Stitches may be placed to close the surgical site.
Wisdom tooth removal is performed under anesthesia to ensure that patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, but pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care.
Recovery time varies from person to person but typically takes about a week. During this time, patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement. It’s essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by the oral surgeon to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Like any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth removal carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, dry socket, and complications related to anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified oral surgeon.
After wisdom tooth removal, it’s essential to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the surgical sites. This may include foods such as yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. It’s best to avoid hot, spicy, acidic, or hard foods that could cause discomfort or disrupt healing. Also avoid using a straw as this may cause dry socket
- If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, fever, or any other concerning symptoms after wisdom tooth removal, it’s essential to contact your oral surgeon promptly for evaluation and guidance.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials such as titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures).
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth due to decay, injury, or congenital conditions. They offer a stable and long-lasting solution for restoring function and aesthetics to the smile.
The dental implant surgery involves several steps. First, the oral surgeon or implant dentist will assess the patient’s oral health and jawbone structure to determine candidacy for implants. Then, they surgically place the implant into the jawbone. After a healing period during which the implant integrates with the bone (osseointegration), a connector piece (abutment) is attached to the implant. Finally custom-made artificial tooth (crown) is placed on top by your General Dentist.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring that patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and swelling may occur after the surgery, but it can usually be managed with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care.
Recovery time varies depending on individual factors such as the number of implants placed, the patient’s overall health, and the quality of the bone. In general, most patients can expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the surgery. Full recovery may take several weeks to a few months as the implant integrates with the bone.
While dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Adequate jawbone density and good oral health are essential prerequisites for successful implant placement. Smokers, individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, and those with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for dental implants.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular dental check-ups, and avoid habits such as smoking that can compromise the longevity of the implants.
Like any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, implant failure, and complications related to anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified implant dentist or oral surgeon.
Full-arch restoration with implants, also known as full-mouth reconstruction or full-arch dental implant restoration, is a comprehensive treatment approach to replace a full arch of missing teeth (upper or lower) using dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis (bridge or denture).
All-on-4 dental implants are a type of full-arch restoration that uses four dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis (denture) for the upper or lower jaw. This technique allows patients with significant tooth loss or edentulism to regain the function and aesthetics of a natural smile.
In full-arch restoration, multiple dental implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to support a custom-made bridge or denture that spans the entire arch of missing teeth. This approach provides a stable and long-lasting solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches.
Once the implants are placed, a temporary or permanent fixed prosthesis is attached to the implants, restoring the patient’s ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Candidates for full-arch restoration with implants are typically individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches and have sufficient bone density to support the implants. Candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcomes.
Full-arch restoration with implants offers several benefits, including improved chewing ability, speech clarity, facial aesthetics, and self-confidence. It provides a permanent solution for tooth loss that feels and functions like natural teeth, without the need for removable dentures or adhesives.