What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is the diagnosis, surgery and treatment of injuries and defects in the mouth, teeth, face, jaws and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw region.
Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that are hard to reach because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth).
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Oral surgery is used to place the dental implant sockets into the jawbone. Photographs, dental models and X-rays are first analyzed to obtain a clear vision of the final restoration. A CAT scan and computer are often used to virtually model implants. Dr. Clausen's oral surgeon uses 3D analysis to determine the exact size and placement of the dental implant before the surgical visit.
Oral surgery is typically performed in the office of the oral surgeon and most cases are accomplished within a few hours.

Surgical extractions and implant placement require an incision, and may be performed using sedation such as oral sedation or nitrous oxide.

Types of procedures include:
  • Cyst or tumor removal
  • Dental Extraction
  • Dental implants
  • Dry Socket Correction
  • Tooth extractions
  • Wisdom Teeth Removal
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Post Surgical Instructions

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Put pressure on the wound

First, to control any bleeding put constant pressure on the wound by biting on the gauze. Also, change the gauze every few minutes for about a couple of hours. A cold compress or ice packs can also help this process.
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Stay on a soft diet

For the first few days after the extraction you should stay on a soft diet. This decreases the chances that you will disturb the site of surgery. After a few days it is generally okay to resume your normal diet.
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Take pain medicine

Following the extraction, it is very common to experience some discomfort, normally at the site of the anesthetic or the extraction site itself. To alleviate the discomfort you should follow your dentist’s recommendation on taking an over the counter pain medication. When necessary, your dentist may decide to prescribe a stronger pain medicine to manage higher levels of pain.
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Visit your dentist

Visit your dentist for a checkup one week after the surgery so your dentist can remove any suture and examine the wound to make sure it is healing properly, unless you have complications in which you need to visit your dentist sooner.
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Do not disturb the site of the extraction

Make sure that you do not disturb the extraction site. This means don’t chew, rinse or brush directly on the site for at least 24 to 48 hours.
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Do not spit or suck through a straw

This is important because using a straw often causes suction that can remove the blood clot. Loss of the blood clot causes bleeding or a painful condition called dry socket.
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Do not smoke

It is important that you do not smoke for at least 24 hours following the extraction, as smoking promotes the likelihood of bleeding and further delays the healing. Smoking could also cause dry socket.
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Potential Outcome After Extracting A Tooth

A little bleeding, swelling and discomfort is normal after a tooth extraction, however, if you have any unusual bleeding beyond 4-6 hours post-operation it is important that you contact your dentist immediately or seek assistance at your local emergency room if you are unable to reach your dentist.
Sometimes you may experience discomfort when opening your mouth. This is due to muscle spasm or a limited mouth opening, which usually heals on its own in a few days.

Call Gentle Family Dentistry today to make your appointment!