What are the Different Oral Surgery Procedures in Clearwater, FL?
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery treats disease and damage in the mouth, jaws, and facial structures. The goal of getting oral surgery near you is to restore function to these areas so you can eat comfortably again.
Oral surgery may be done for many reasons:
- Infections (or inflammation) caused by dental problems or injuries such as fractures
- Conditions such as cancer that affect your jawbone
- Tumors or cysts on your gums
- Problems like poor mobility from arthritis or muscle stiffness from stroke
What are the Different Oral Surgery Procedures?
- Tooth Extraction
Simple and surgical tooth extraction is a procedure that removes damaged or decayed teeth. This can be done to remove wisdom teeth that are causing pain, prevent other teeth from coming in, or if you lose a tooth.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal
You may have wisdom teeth, the third molars in your mouth. They may cause problems if they don’t fit into the jaw properly or become impacted (stuck behind other teeth).
- Bone Grafting
Bone Grafting is a procedure that helps regenerate bone. It’s used when you have low bone density.
Bone grafting typically involves placing bone graft material on top of healthy surrounding tissue and then stitching it together with stitches made from surgical thread or sutures. The goal is for this new tissue to form strong, solid connections between your existing teeth and gums and their surrounding structures so that they can function normally again after treatment has been completed successfully.
- Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are a prosthetic that is made of titanium. They’re placed in the jawbone and can replace missing teeth, anchor dentures, or even support bridges.
- Periodontal surgery
Periodontal surgery is a type of oral surgery performed to treat periodontitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue. Periodontal surgery is typically performed by a periodontist, a dentist near you who specializes in gum disease treatment. The most common type of periodontal surgery is known as scaling and root planing, which involves the removal of tartar from the teeth and gums. Other types of periodontal surgery include gingivectomy, flap surgery, and bone grafting.
How Long Does Oral Surgery Recovery Take?
Most people experience little to no pain and swelling after oral surgery. Recovery times vary, however, depending on the type of procedure performed. For example, simple tooth extractions often result in faster recovery than complex procedures like dental implants.
You can generally expect minor discomfort and swelling for the first few days following your surgery. These symptoms typically peak within the first 48 hours and then gradually start to improve. By day 3 or 4, most people feel back to their normal selves.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully is important to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. This usually includes taking it easy for the first few days, avoiding strenuous activity, eating soft foods, and using an ice pack on your face for 20 minutes several times a day.
How Can I Have Speedy Recovery After Dental Surgery Near Me?
Some tips to help you recover from oral surgery as quickly and smoothly as possible include:
- Follow all post-operative instructions given by your oral surgeon in Clearwater. This includes taking any prescribed medication, using any provided mouthwashes or rinses, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Chewing can be painful and irritating to your surgical site, so it’s best to stick to soups, yogurts, smoothies, and other gentle options. As you recover, you can slowly add in other softer foods like cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid hot beverages, as they can irritate your surgical site.
- Take it easy for the first few days post-surgery. Avoid strenuous activities or exercises that could jar or dislodge your surgical site. Instead, take some time to relax and let your body heal.
- Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth gently and regularly, careful not to irritate your surgical site. You should also avoid eating anything sticky or chewy that could get caught in your stitches.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Sunset Point Dental for more information about our oral surgery treatments.