Oral Surgery

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery describes procedures that involve cutting into oral tissues to address problems affecting the face, mouth, and jaws. Most oral health problems, such as cavities and tooth damage, respond to conservative treatments like fillings and root canal therapy. However, deep decay, gum disease, and traumatic injuries sometimes require more invasive intervention.

Are there different types of oral surgery?

The team at Riverside Dental Associates performs several types of oral surgery, including:

Extractions

Extractions are one of the most common types of oral surgery. During an extraction, your Riverside Dental Associates provider carefully pulls one or more damaged and/or decaying teeth. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your dentist might recommend a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is a type of oral surgery used to prepare your teeth and gums for prosthetics or restorations. Your dentist might recommend prosthodontic surgery in anticipation of treatment with a crown, bridge, or dental veneers. Dental implant surgery also falls under the umbrella of prosthodontics. During implant surgery, your dentist places a series of small metal posts into the spaces where your permanent teeth used to sit.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a blanket term used to describe more complex types of oral surgery. Some of the types of oral surgery that fall under this umbrella are corrective jaw surgery, dentoalveolar surgery, and pre-prosthetic bone augmentation, like bone grafts.

Am I a candidate for oral surgery?

Only qualified dentists, like those at Riverside Dental Associates, can determine if you’re a candidate for oral surgery. During your initial consultation, your provider conducts an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your goals for treatment.

Whenever possible, the team recommends minimally invasive measures. However, if you don’t respond to these conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What is recovery like following oral surgery?

Following oral surgery, your dentist sends you home with a list of recovery instructions. In the first few days, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling. Take your medications as prescribed and avoid smoking or rinsing your mouth. You might also need to modify your diet. Soft foods like yogurt, apple sauce, and soup can limit your pain and promote healing.

To request your oral surgery consultation at Riverside Dental Associates today, call the office or request an appointment online.