Oral surgery has become more prevalent as the number of people who want to improve the appearance and function of their smile increases over time. Many of us have reservations about scheduling oral surgical treatments since we are unsure what to anticipate before, during, and after surgery.
Oral surgery encompasses a range of treatments that address common difficulties that patients may face. It is considered an outpatient operation, with patients able to resume regular activities within a few days.
If you’ve never had more than a filler, the possibility of oral surgery may be intimidating. But understanding what to expect from surgical treatments may help you feel more at ease. To lessen some of your concerns and help you be prepared, here are some common oral surgeries and what to expect during the procedure.
Root Canal
Root canals are one of the most common types of oral surgery. Bacteria can penetrate the tooth and infect the pulp when there’s no treatment for a tooth decays. Pain, swelling, and sensitivity are all symptoms of this infection.
The decayed component of the tooth is removed, and the contaminated pulp is extracted, during a root canal procedure. The tooth is enclosed after it has been deeply cleaned. The final process is to prevent your tooth from further damage and restore it to full functionality with a crown or larger filling. Root canals are usually outpatient procedures that may be divided into smaller sections to guarantee proper treatment and may require a few days to recover completely.
Dental Implants
A dental implant can fill the gap between the lost tooth due to injury or infection. And dental implants are used to replace a tooth’s root. They are used to protect crowns to the jawbone with a titanium or titanium alloy metal post. Because these metals are delicate and biocompatible, they are less likely to be rejected by the body.
Dental implants are time-consuming because the bone must merge around the prosthesis before the artificial tooth can be installed. The procedure is divided into two steps. The mounting system will be placed first. The artificial substitute tooth will be fastened after the site has healed for about two months. During the recovery process, you may use a transitory cosmetic tooth to cover up the gap in your teeth. Dental implants can significantly restore functionality and confidence in your smile.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a patient needs a tooth removed, and a simple extraction will not suffice. In this case, a surgical extraction is carried out. The orthopedic surgeon will make an incision into the patient’s gums to access and remove the tooth. It can be done under local or general conscious sedation. The most common reasons for tooth extraction are extreme tooth decay, damage, or infection.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
This procedure, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct minor and severe dental and skeletal abnormalities, such as a misaligned jaw. The procedure can improve the patient’s breathing, speaking, and eating habits.
Bone Grafting
If a patient disregards a missing tooth for an extended period of time, the jawbone beneath the empty spot will deteriorate or be reabsorbed. The bone becomes too weak to support a dental implant when this happens.
Fortunately, dental professionals can repair a weak jawbone. Bone grafting reinforces the target area and prepares it for an implant by using the patient’s own bone from one section to solidify another.
What to expect when getting oral surgery
The specifications for each type of surgical procedure vary, but they usually involve the following:
- Not eating for at least a few hours prior to the procedure
- Abstaining from smoking and drinking consumption
- Organizing transportation to and from the clinic
- Planning ahead of time so that the patient can avoid strenuous activity while recovering
What to Prepare before Surgery
When preparing for surgery, it is essential to follow your dentist’s care instructions. Furthermore, you might want to consider setting up a clean and comfortable room for yourself at home where you can relax. You have to arrange transportation to and from your dental clinic if necessary, and ensure that you comply with pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions. You might also want to change your sleeping environment, arranging things so you can sleep on an incline. Doing everything you can to minimize or eliminate constraints to healing will be critical as you come home and gradually resume your usual activities.
What to Expect after Surgery
Patients experience various symptoms following surgery. And knowing what to expect is essential for a stress-free recovery. It is normal for your mouth and jaw to be sore in the days following surgery. Look for these signs and symptoms that your mouth is healing and any unusual pain, drainage, or swelling that worsens over time.
The incisions made during your surgical procedure will be the most tender in the first 24 hours. Take care not to irritate your surgical sites, and try to avoid sucking or spitting, which can damage open sutures holding tissues in place. Take pain relievers as directed and notify your physician if you experience adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or fever. These could be signs of infection. And you’ll need to deal with it head-on if you want to fully recover.
