Oral surgery can seem intimidating when you first hear about it, but the truth is, it’s a lot more common and much less scary than most people think. Whether you’ve been advised to consider oral surgery or you’re simply curious about what’s involved, it’s important to have clear, straightforward answers. At Prestige Dental, we understand the hesitation and questions you might have when oral surgery is mentioned. That’s why we’re here to explain exactly what it is, what it involves, and address the most common concerns patients have.

When you think about oral surgery, you might picture complicated procedures or lengthy recoveries. While it’s true that oral surgery can involve precise, specialized treatments, advancements in dentistry have made it significantly more comfortable and straightforward than ever before. Understanding oral surgery better can make you feel confident and well-prepared, whether it’s for wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or another procedure entirely.

If you’re facing oral surgery, having a good grasp of what to expect can remove the mystery and ease your mind. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Prestige Dental.

What is considered oral surgery?

The term "oral surgery" can sound quite broad, and understandably, you might wonder exactly which procedures fall under this category. Simply put, oral surgery covers a variety of treatments involving the surgical care of your mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. It includes everything from minor procedures that are routinely performed in a dental office, to more involved treatments requiring specialized surgical care.

At Prestige Dental, oral surgery commonly includes procedures such as:

• Wisdom Teeth Removal: This is perhaps the most familiar oral surgery procedure. Wisdom teeth often become impacted or overcrowded, necessitating surgical removal to avoid pain or potential dental issues down the road.
• Dental Implants: Implants are surgically placed to permanently replace missing teeth. This procedure involves embedding a titanium post in your jawbone, onto which a replacement tooth is mounted.
• Tooth Extractions: Beyond wisdom teeth, sometimes severely damaged, infected, or decayed teeth must be surgically extracted to maintain overall oral health.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery: Known medically as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects structural issues in the jaw. It’s typically performed to fix bite problems or jaw misalignment.
• Bone Grafting: This surgery is often required if you don’t have enough bone density to support dental implants. The procedure strengthens and rebuilds your jawbone.
• Periodontal Surgery: Surgical procedures addressing gum disease also fall under oral surgery. These include treatments like pocket reduction, gum grafting, and crown lengthening.

These examples showcase how oral surgery can vary widely in complexity and purpose, all aiming to improve your oral health and quality of life. At Prestige Dental, our team ensures every surgery, from the simplest extraction to complex jaw surgery, is handled with precision and care.

What does an oral surgeon do?

An oral surgeon is more than just your typical dentist. While general dentists handle routine dental care and preventive treatments, oral surgeons specialize in complex procedures that require specialized surgical expertise. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training, usually several years beyond dental school, giving them deep knowledge of facial anatomy, oral structures, and surgical procedures.

At Prestige Dental, our oral surgeons focus on:

• Diagnosing Oral and Facial Conditions: Oral surgeons evaluate complex dental problems, diseases, injuries, and defects in the mouth, face, and jaw area. They are adept at pinpointing issues accurately, ensuring patients get precisely the care they need.
• Performing Surgical Procedures: Oral surgeons handle intricate procedures like removing impacted teeth, placing dental implants, correcting jaw misalignment, and performing reconstructive surgery after facial trauma.
• Administering Anesthesia: Oral surgeons are trained to administer anesthesia safely. Depending on the procedure, they might use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
• Managing Oral Trauma and Emergencies: If you've suffered facial trauma, severe oral injury, or dental emergencies requiring surgery, oral surgeons handle these cases efficiently and effectively.
• Providing Post-Surgical Care and Guidance: Oral surgeons provide detailed follow-up care, pain management guidance, and recovery plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

At Prestige Dental, our oral surgeons work collaboratively with the dental team to deliver exceptional care. Their expertise and experience give you peace of mind, knowing you’re in highly capable hands every step of the way.

Is oral surgery dangerous?

It's perfectly normal to wonder about safety and risks when it comes to surgical procedures. Let’s clear the air: while every surgery carries some degree of risk, oral surgery is typically very safe, especially when performed by a qualified oral surgeon. Complications are relatively uncommon and can usually be prevented or quickly managed when they occur.

Some common concerns patients have include:

• Pain and Discomfort: Oral surgery usually involves anesthesia or sedation to minimize pain during the procedure. Post-surgical discomfort is typically mild to moderate and easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Infection: Any surgical procedure has a minor risk of infection. However, oral surgeons minimize this risk through strict sterile techniques, antibiotics when needed, and careful follow-up.
• Bleeding: Mild bleeding after surgery is normal and easily controlled with simple measures, such as applying gentle pressure using gauze provided by your dental team.
• Swelling and Bruising: Some swelling or bruising can occur after surgery, but these symptoms usually resolve within days. Cold compresses and careful adherence to post-op instructions reduce discomfort and speed recovery.
• Nerve Damage or Injury: Although very rare, nerve damage can occur during complex surgeries, especially when extracting impacted wisdom teeth. Skilled oral surgeons carefully assess potential risks beforehand to minimize any possibility of nerve complications.

At Prestige Dental, we prioritize patient safety above all else. Every patient receives personalized care, thorough pre-operative evaluations, and detailed aftercare guidance to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience possible.

Choosing Prestige Dental for Your Oral Surgery Needs

Oral surgery is often a necessary step towards optimal oral health, comfort, and confidence. At Prestige Dental, our goal is always to ensure you understand the procedure fully and feel entirely comfortable with every aspect of your care.

Our team is dedicated to making your experience seamless from the first consultation through to your recovery period. With expertise in handling various surgical procedures, Prestige Dental combines skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art technology, and compassionate care to give you the best outcomes possible.

If you’re facing an oral surgery procedure or have more questions about how oral surgery might benefit your dental health, the first step is to talk to our expert dental team. We’ll help you navigate your options, answer your questions thoroughly, and put your mind at ease.

Are you ready to take the next step towards a healthier, happier smile?

Schedule your appointment with Prestige Dental today and experience professional care tailored just for you.