Our Services / Oral Surgery

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery is any type of surgical procedure focused on addressing issues in your jaw or mouth. There are numerous types of oral surgery, some of which are more involved than others. 

Some examples of oral surgery include:

• Dental implants
• Root canal therapy
• Sinus lifts
• Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
• Gum grafting
• Removing lesions
• Jaw repair

Wisdom teeth extraction is also a form of oral surgery. In many cases, these molars can’t fully emerge from your gums and place undue pressure on nearby teeth. Surgical extraction creates more room in the jaw and prevents wisdom teeth from causing shifting or crowding of your other teeth.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that moves bone tissue from one site to another. It’s used to build up areas in the jaw where there isn’t enough bone to support dental implants. 

How do I know if oral surgery is necessary?

In many cases, your general dentist will discuss the need for oral surgery after a routine dental exam or a visit to address dental health concerns. That’s one reason why it is so important to schedule regular dental exams. 

In other instances, traumatic injury brings people in for oral surgery. These urgent cases are always treated as quickly as possible in the hopes of restoring full dental function and preserving or restoring the aesthetics of your smile.

Advanced tooth decay or periodontal disease (gum disease) can also lead to oral surgery. In such cases, significant pain brings many people to see a periodontal specialist. Whenever possible, it is best to schedule treatments before pain becomes severe. 

How can I prepare for oral surgery?

There are many ways to prepare for oral surgery, and your approach will depend on the type of procedure you’re having. In general, it’s always important to share the details of your personal health history with your oral surgeon. 

That includes any medications or supplements you’re taking, as well as the health conditions you are being treated for. That information helps your care team avoid complications or negative interactions with your existing medications. 

If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do to prepare for oral surgery is to find a smoking cessation program that works for you. Smoking does terrible damage to your circulatory system, which plays a critical role in the healing process. Finding a way to quit can improve your oral and overall health. 

Ask your practitioner if you need to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment. Having someone there to help out while you relax and recover may be a good idea, but many types of oral surgery allow you to continue normal daily activities within a short time. 

If you have questions about oral surgery or would like to book a diagnostic exam, call the office to set up a visit. You can also book online in just moments from the comfort of home.