Beyond Routine Dental Care: Exploring the Common Reasons for Oral Surgery

What Are Oral Surgeries?

They are surgical interventions in the mouth, teeth, gums, jawbone, and related structures. These surgeries are performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who are dental specialists with advanced training in head and neck surgical procedures.

Depending on the type of procedure, oral surgeries are usually performed on an outpatient basis in different dentist’s offices near you. Therefore, you can go home the same day.

Types of Oral Surgeries

Surgeries are different depending on the intention of the treatment. Some popular oral surgeries in Flower Mound, TX, include the following:

1. Tooth extraction – involves removing a tooth from the mouth. The dentist will loosen the tooth using special tools and remove it from the socket.
2. Dental implants – involve placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The procedure happens in stages, starting with the placement of the tooth implant, a healing period of about 4 months, and finally, the attachment of the replacement tooth crown or bridge.
3. Periodontal surgeries – treat advanced periodontal disease. These surgeries include scaling and root planing, gum, and bone grafts.
4. Jaw surgery – involves correction of jaw deformities, such as an underbite, overbite, or misaligned jaw.
5. Biopsy – involves removing a small sample of tissue for examination to diagnose oral cancer or other conditions.
6. Cleft lip and palate repair – is a surgery to correct birth defects that affect the mouth and facial structures.

How Are Oral Surgeries Performed and What Steps Are Involved in The Surgical Process?

Oral surgeries are performed by trained dental professionals, such as oral surgeons or periodontists. The type of oral surgery you need depends on your specific oral condition or problem. The type of oral surgery will also affect the steps relevant to the surgical process. Even then, some basic steps in any oral surgery include the following:

1. Consultation – a dentist in Flower Mound, TX, must evaluate your mouth and determine if oral surgery is necessary. During the consultation, the dentist will also likely discuss a highlight of the surgery, including risks, benefits, and recovery process.
2. Pre-operative preparations – these are a set of guidelines often necessary before surgeries. They are unique for different oral surgeries. You may need some preparations, like fasting for a certain period before the surgery or taking medication beforehand to manage anxiety or pain.
3. Local anesthesia – is usually administered to numb the area around the surgical site to ensure a pain-free process.
4. Sedation dentistry – is a treatment protocol to calm your mind and body and sometimes put you to sleep before surgery. Sedation is not always mandatory but may be necessary for long surgeries, complex treatments, or patients with dental anxiety.
5. Post-operative care – no matter the type of surgery you undergo, post-operative care is fundamental. The dentist near you will move you to a recovery area for monitoring until the sedatives and other medication wear off. The dentist will then provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including pain management, diet restrictions, and oral hygiene. The instructions may be unique to the type of surgery.
6. Follow-up appointments – dentists will often schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure no complications.

What Steps Should Be Taken to Minimize the Risk of Complications or Other Issues?

Oral surgeries can be complex procedures presenting a range of potential complications, including infection, bleeding, pain, and swelling. However, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of complications during and after your oral surgery at Smile Craft Dental. They include:

1. Follow pre-operative instructions, including guidelines on what to eat and drink before the procedure, what medications to take or avoid, and how to prepare for the surgery. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications.
2. Maintaining good oral hygiene before and after your surgery can help prevent infection and other complications. Brush and floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash if your surgeon recommends it.
3. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol – they increase the risk of complications, such as infection and delayed healing.
4. Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to catch any potential complications early.